Incident Overview
A Jetstream 31, registration G-EEST, operated by Eastern Airways, was involved in a hard landing at Wick Airport, Scotland on 17 September 2003. The aircraft, manufactured in 1987, was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Aberdeen with four passengers and three crew on board. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft sustained damage including a right propeller tip strike and a cracked wing spar.
Flight Details
The crew had already completed two sectors earlier that day in a different aircraft. After transferring to G-EEST, they departed Aberdeen for Wick at 1414 hrs. The co-pilot was the pilot flying. During the approach to Runway 31, the aircraft encountered turbulence and windshear, resulting in a higher-than-normal threshold speed of 130 kt, 21 kt above the correct speed. The VREF for the landing weight of 12,575 lb was 102 kt. The aircraft crossed the displaced threshold slightly high and fast.
Landing Sequence
As the aircraft flared, it floated approximately six feet above the runway. The co-pilot reduced power to flight idle, but just before the first touchdown, one or both power levers were moved aft of the flight idle position. The aircraft touched down nose-wheel first, bounced 10 to 15 feet, then touched down again more heavily. This second touchdown cracked the wing spar and flexed the fuselage, allowing the right propeller to contact the runway. The aircraft bounced a second time before landing for the third and final time. During the roll, the commander applied brakes and reverse thrust. The crew did not observe any abnormal indications until after shutdown, when the commander noticed the propeller damage.
Investigation Findings
The AAIB investigation found no technical faults with the aircraft. Weather conditions were within the aircraft's limitations. The investigation determined that both pilots were making control inputs from just before the first touchdown until after the second heavy touchdown. No safety recommendations were made.