What happened
On 30 May 2004, a Hawker Hunter Mk.5lat (registration G-PSST) completed a private flight from Kemble Airfield to Southend Airport. Following a flying display in the local area, the pilot prepared to land on Runway 24. To avoid obstacles located below the standard approach path, the pilot utilized a steeper approach angle of approximately 3.5°.
The aircraft was configured with 150-gallon drop tanks on the inboard underwing stations and was carrying between 1700 and 2200 lbs of fuel. During the landing sequence, the pilot attempted a smooth touchdown to minimize tire wear. Upon touchdown, the braking parachute was deployed; however, the tailcone and jetpipe sustained significant damage after the tailskid detached and the tail struck the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's handling techniques. It was established that the tailplane interconnect switch was left in the 'ON' position. This electrical system allows the variable-incidence tailplane to move in conjunction with the elevators to improve maneuverability at high speeds. However, leaving this system engaged increases the aircraft's sensitivity to pitch inputs.
While the pilot had previously landed in this configuration without incident, the investigation found that the pilot had intended to switch the system 'OFF' but had temporarily forgotten to do so. The Aircrew Manual for the Hawker Hunter Mk.58A specifically recommends switching this interconnection 'OFF' for takeoff and landing to avoid control sensitivity issues. Furthermore, the manual warns that excessive 'holding off' during landing can lead to an excessive nose-up attitude, potentially resulting in the tailcone scraping the runway.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to fly a steeper approach path contributed to the sequence of events.
- The tailplane interconnect system was left in the 'ON' position, making the aircraft more sensitive to pitch during the flare.
- The pilot's attempt to achieve a smooth touchdown led to a misjudged flare maneuver.
- The pilot's recent experience with tail-wheel aircraft may have influenced the acceptance of a higher-than-normal pitch attitude during the landing phase.