What happened
On 30 May 2009, a P and M Aviation Quik GT450, registration G-CEGJ, was conducting a trial lesson when it was involved in an accident during landing at Sywell Airfield, Northamptonshire. The flight, which was being conducted by an instructor accompanied by a student, proceeded normally through the local flying area before returning to the airfield for an approach to grass runway 05R.
While the initial landing phase was uneventful, the aircraft encountered a gusty crosswind from the right during the landing roll. As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot struggled to maintain directional control. The aircraft veered toward the left and subsequently rolled onto its right-hand side, sliding along the ground before coming to a halt. The incident resulted in two minor injuries, including a dislocated shoulder for the instructor.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's damage, noting minor impact to the trike unit and substantial damage to the wing. The investigation also reviewed the airfield's recorded wind data from the time of the occurrence. This data indicated that while the average surface wind was from 090º at 10 kt, there were occasional gusts of 14 kt and a specific, isolated gust originating from the south-south-east at 18 kt.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating within the manufacturer's specified crosswind limits for takeoff and landing (10 kt), but the presence of an isolated 18 kt gust contributed to the loss of control.
- The pilot experienced difficulty maintaining the aircraft's heading during the landing roll due to the shifting wind direction and intensity.