What happened
During a training flight, an aircraft was on final approach with a 5-knot downwind component. The pilot performing the check initiated the flare at an altitude higher than standard, causing the airspeed to drop below optimal levels. Despite prompts from the check-pilot, the pilot did not adjust the approach and reduced throttle at approximately 20 feet. This resulted in a heavy impact on the runway with the left wing low, which caused the nose and left main landing gear to be torn from the aircraft.
Prior to the incident, the crew had been subject to significant operational pressures. The pilot under check had only slept for two and a half hours due to flight rescheduling and had been on duty for five and a half hours. The check-pilot had been on duty for over twelve hours. Additionally, the autopilot was unserviceable, requiring manual flight for most of the four flight legs. During the final leg, the check-pilot performed two simulated engine failure drills, the second occurring at approximately 7 DME during the approach.
Findings
Investigation into the accident identified several contributing factors. There was a lack of clarity regarding command responsibility, as the check-pilot believed his role was limited to that of a safety pilot. The crew's fatigue levels were significant due to schedule changes and extended duty periods.
A critical factor involved perceptual errors induced by stress. It is believed that the simulated engine failure performed shortly before landing caused a stress reaction in the fatigued pilot. This physiological stress can alter the focal length of the eye, leading to a visual illusion where the runway appears higher than its actual position. Consequently, the pilot's judgment regarding the flare height was incorrect.