What happened
On 17 August 1998, a Pierre Robin R2160, registration G-BWZG, was conducting a private flight from Islay toward Sherburn-in-Elmet. Due to marginal weather forecasts at the destination, the pilot diverted to West Freugh, Scotland, to refuel. At the time of the incident, the wind at the airfield was reported as 290 degrees at 16 knots, with gusts up and to 28 knots.
During the approach to runway 24, the pilot utilized full flaps and noted a consistent 10-degree drift. In an effort to land beyond the arrester wires positioned across the runway, the pilot intentionally extended the flare. During this phase of the landing, a powerful gust struck the aircraft. Although the pilot attempted a rudder correction, the aircraft swung sharply in the opposite direction, resulting in a severe fishtailing motion on the runway surface.
In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft and stop the oscillations, the pilot allowed the aircraft to roll onto the grass adjacent to the runway. While attempting to steer the aircraft back toward the runway, the pilot struck a runway distance marker board. The impact caused substantial damage to the left wingtip before the aircraft finally came to a halt on the runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions, the pilot's maneuvers, and the aircraft's handling during the gusty approach. The inquiry reviewed the pilot's decision-making regarding the extended flare and the impact of the wind conditions on the aircraft's stability. The investigation also noted the pilot's relatively limited experience on this specific aircraft type, having completed only 8 hours of flight time in the Pierre Robin R2160 prior to the event.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to extend the flare in the presence of significant wind gusts contributed to the loss of control.
- A strong wind gust during the flare phase induced an unmanageable swing and subsequent fishtailing.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the oscillation through over-controlling exacerbated the instability.
- The aircraft's path led to a collision with a runway distance marker board.