What happened
On 12 May 2009, a Helio H-295 Super Courier, registration G-BGIX, was conducting a private flight from a private airstrip near Chelmsford to North Weald Airfield for a scheduled maintenance inspection. The flight took place in clear weather with good visibility, though the pilot encountered severe turbulence during the transit.
While joining the left-hand circuit for Runway 02, the pilot configured the aircraft for landing, selecting a 40° flap setting due to the challenging wind conditions. As the aircraft approached the runway, the pilot had to crab significantly into the wind to maintain the approach track. Upon touchdown on the left main wheel, a sudden gust from the right caused the right wing to lift, resulting in the left wing tip making contact with the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's damage and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The impact caused abrasions to the left wing tip and the left stabilator, as well as a crack in the left main landing gear wheel rim. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's actions and the wind data provided by Air Traffic Control, which indicated surface winds of 060°/17-28 kt.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in severe turbulence and strong, gusting winds.
- The pilot applied full into-wind aileron to counteract the roll, but the force of the wind was too great.
- A sudden wind gust exceeded the aircraft's maximum crosswind landing limit.
- The aircraft's light wing loading made it particularly susceptible to the effects of the gust at low approach speeds.