What happened
On February 8, 2008, a Socata GA TB 200, registration PH-WPO, was performing a VFR overland flight from Teuge Airport to Lelystad Airport. During the final approach to runway 23, the pilot encountered intense glare from the low-positioned sun, which caused complete visual impairment. Despite the loss of visibility, the pilot continued the landing attempt. The aircraft made initial contact with the runway but began bouncing repeatedly. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot lowered the nose, which resulted in the nose gear striking the runway first. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, and the aircraft came to a stop with its nose on the ground, resulting in heavy damage to the airframe and propeller. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's statements, weather conditions, and the aircraft's mechanical state. Investigators confirmed that the weather featured visibility exceeding 10 km with no cloud cover or precipitation, but noted the presence of a low sun. The aircraft's mechanical condition was reviewed, and no pre-existing technical malfunctions or failures were identified prior to the accident. The investigation also analyzed the pilot's flight maneuvers during the landing phase, specifically the transition from the initial touchdown to the subsequent bounces and the final nose-down attitude.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient control of the aircraft during the landing flare.
- The low sun acted as a significant contributing factor by blinding the pilot during the critical landing phase.
- The pilot's decision to continue the landing despite being blinded prevented a safe execution of the approach; a missed approach (go-around) was the most appropriate course of action.
- Incorrect landing technique led to multiple bounces on the runway.
- The nose gear collapsed because it was forced to absorb the impact of the landing, a load for which it was not designed.