What happened
On 18 June 1999, a Pierre Robin R2160, registration G-SACK, was conducting a private flight from Sherburn in Elmet to East Midlands Airport. During the approach to Runway 27, the pilot was instructed to orbit the airfield to allow a preceding transport aircraft to depart. The weather conditions were reported as good with clear visibility and a surface wind of 230 degrees at 8 knots.
Upon receiving clearance to land, the pilot was managing the separation between his aircraft and the departing transport aircraft, as well as monitoring a second transport aircraft following behind him. The pilot was also aware of a temporary displaced threshold on the runway due to ongoing airport works. During the landing roll, the aircraft's right gear and the underside of the right wing made contact with a sandbag that had been placed at a right angle to the threshold.
The investigation
The investigation, based on the accident report submitted by the pilot, examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the runway environment. It was established that the pilot was highly focused on maintaining separation from other traffic and managing the potential for wake turbulence. The investigation also noted the presence of temporary runway markings and equipment related to the displaced threshold.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to the right landing gear and the underside of the right wing.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by concern regarding wake turbulence and the need to maintain separation from following traffic.
- The contact occurred when the aircraft struck a sandbag positioned short of the threshold.