What happened
On 29 July 2006, a pilot operating a Pierre Robin DR400/120A, registration G-GBVX, was performing a private flight at RAF Leuchars. After completing several flights earlier in the day, the pilot attempted one final circuit. During the initial approach to Runway 09, the tower controller reported an 8 kt cross-wind. Due to conflicting wind indications from three different windsocks on the airfield, the pilot suspected unpredictable wind shifts and elected to land on Runway 22 instead.
During the second approach, the pilot implemented a specific technique intended to help the aircraft settle on the runway. This involved reducing engine speed and, immediately after the main wheels made contact with the runway, raising the flaps. This maneuver caused the right wing to lift and the nose wheel to strike the runway firmly, triggering a series of rapid oscillations in pitch. The aircraft bounced significantly, and despite the pilot applying full power to climb away, the aircraft bounced a third time, reaching an altitude of approximately 10 to 15 feet before the nose dropped.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of landings and the pilot's handling of the aircraft. The investigation established that the pilot had observed inconsistent windsock directions, which suggested a transition between on-shore and off-shore winds. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision to use a technique involving the early retraction of flaps to stabilize the aircraft on touchdown.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear mountings.
- The pilot's use of the flap-retraction technique during the second landing attempt contributed to the instability.
- The aircraft experienced multiple bounces, with the final bounce being the most severe.
- Conflicting windsock indications at the airfield likely indicated a period of unpredictable wind changes.