What happened
On 8 June 2003, a Maule M5-180C Lunar Rocket, registration G-BVFZ, was completing a private flight from Beccles to Manston, Kent. During the approach to Runway 28, the pilot encountered turbulent conditions characterized by a 15-knot surface wind from 220°, with gusts varying between 170° and 260°. To compensate for the turbulence, the pilot maintained an approach speed potentially 10 mph higher than the standard 60 mph.
While the aircraft touched down normally and slowed to a stop, the pilot struggled to maintain directional control using the wheel brakes due to the strong, gusting south-westerly winds. Once the aircraft became stationary, the left wing lifted, causing the right wingtip to strike the runway surface. This impact caused the aircraft to rotate approximately 30° to the left around the right main landing gear. The left wing subsequently descended, and the aircraft settled back onto the runway.
An air traffic controller observed the significant wing lift during the flare and activated the airfield crash alarm, prompting an immediate response from the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS). The pilot remained in position until the RFFS arrived, after which the aircraft was taxied clear of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the physical damage and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Inspection revealed impact damage to the right wingtip, the right stabilizer, and the right wheel rim. A CAA engineer reviewed the damage and concurred with the pilot's assessment that the strike likely occurred while the aircraft was stationary.
It was noted that the pilot did not request professional engineering assistance to evaluate the structural implications of the impact, instead deeming the aircraft airworthy and returning to Beccles later that same day. The investigation also considered the pilot's experience, noting he had 1,096 total flying hours, though only 9 hours were on this specific type.
Findings
- The incident resulted in one minor injury to a passenger and no injuries to the crew.
- The primary cause was the strong, gusting crosswind which likely exceeded the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit of 14 mph.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right wingtip, right stabilizer, and right wheel rim.