What happened
On 24 June 2001, a Pierre Robin HR2/100, registration G-BBOE, was conducting a private flight from Popham, Hampshire, to a farm strip located at Wells Cross Farm, near Horsham, West Sussex. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by warm temperatures and light winds.
During the landing sequence, the pilot performed an initial go-around to inspect the airfield. On the subsequent approach, the aircraft appeared to be stabilized at the recommended speed. However, during the flare, the pilot noted that the ground speed was higher than anticipated. The aircraft initially touched down at approximately 50 kts IAS but bounced back into the air. While maintaining the flare attitude, the aircraft made a second touchdown beyond the crest of the runway at roughly 40 kt IAS. Realizing the remaining runway was insufficient to stop, the pilot applied power to attempt a go-around. Shortly after becoming airborne again, the aircraft struck a hedge and a concrete post, yawing left before coming to rest in a nearby cornfield. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's instrumentation and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot suggested that an under-reading airspeed indicator (ASI) had led to an excessively high approach and flare speed. Records showed the ASI had been calibrated and re-installed in July 2000, and a check performed the day before the accident showed no issues. The pilot also noted that the stall warning system, which had been tested the previous day, failed to provide a warning.
Analysis of the aircraft's performance manual indicated that, given the aircraft's weight, the available landing distance was more than adequate for a safe arrival. Meteorological data confirmed that the difference between calibrated and true airspeed would have been negligible under the prevailing 20°C temperature and 5-10kt winds.
Findings
- The aircraft was damaged beyond economical repair.
- The pilot attempted a go-around after a bounced landing left insufficient runway for a safe stop.
- The primary factor was the high ground speed during the landing flare.