What happened
On 20 June 1999, a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58A, registration G-PSST, was performing an air display at Enniskillen (St Angelo) Airfield in Northern Ireland. During the landing phase on Runway 33, the pilot was maintaining a target speed of approximately 135 kt. As the aircraft approached the touchdown point and the throttle was retarded, the aircraft experienced a sudden and rapid increase in sink rate.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied full power and aft stick input; however, the aircraft's tail made contact with the runway simultaneously with the main landing gear. The impact caused the aircraft to pitch forward abruptly. While the pilot initially suspected a collapse of the nosewheel oleo, ground communications suggested the nose gear appeared normal. The landing roll was completed using the brake parachute.
The investigation
The investigation examined the physical damage to the aircraft and the circumstances of the flight. Post-incident inspections revealed that the tailskid had been forced into the rear fuselage, which subsequently punctured the jet pipe. Additionally, the tail cone fairing showed severe distortion, and the rear jet pipe tail cone had sustained slight deformation.
Following the incident, the pilot flew the aircraft from Enniskillen to Aldergrove Airport to consult with a chief engineer. After a successful engine run and a flight to Aldergrove that showed no further issues, the pilot elected to fly the aircraft back to its home base at Kemble Airfield. Subsequent inspections at Kemble found no further evidence of structural damage.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden sink rate during the flare phase of the landing.
- The pilot believed the descent was caused by wind shear encountered during the approach.
- The impact resulted in a punctured jet pipe and damage to the rear fuselage and tail cone fairing.