Piper Twin Comanche sustained structural damage during heavy landing at Maypole Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Maypole Aerodrome, Kent, GB

A private flight involving a **Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche** resulted in significant structural damage to the wing spars following a hard landing on a grass runway.

What happened

On 14 August 2011, a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, registration G-ATMT, was conducting a private flight from Alderney to Maypole Aerodrome in Kent. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and three passengers. Upon arrival, the pilot was informed that Runway 20, a grass strip, was in use. However, after observing another aircraft approaching Runway 02, the pilot elected to approach Runway 02 instead.

During the final approach, the pilot experienced a significant loss of altitude, described as a sudden sink. The aircraft subsequently made a very firm touchdown, causing the aircraft to yaw heavily. The landing run was notably short. Following the landing, an inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left main landing gear had over-travelled and the wing skin exhibited rippling.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's performance capabilities against the available runway length. The airfield's website indicated a runway length of 560 m, with clearways providing a total potential distance of 700 m. Calculations using the aircraft flight manual showed that the minimum landing distance required, including a safety factor, was 972 m. Even without the safety factor, the required distance of 618 m was very close to the available 700 m limit.

The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which suggested a west-south-westerly wind. This implies that the approach to Runway 02 likely involved a tailwind component. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's flying technique, noting a tendency to rely on external visual cues rather than the airspeed indicator during the approach.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained damage to the left main and rear wing spars and the left main landing gear.
  • Low airspeed on short final may have been a contributing factor to the heavy landing.
  • The pilot's reliance on outside visual references rather than the airspeed indicator may have prevented the detection of a decaying airspeed.
  • A tailwind component on Runway 02 likely contributed to the low-speed situation.
  • The weight of the fuel in the wingtip tanks may have increased the bending loads on the wing spars during the impact.

Probable cause

The heavy landing was likely caused by a low approach speed, potentially exacerbated by a tailwind component and the pilot's reliance on visual cues rather than airspeed instruments, leading to a sudden loss of altitude just before touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-08-14 Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche accident near Maypole Aerodrome, Kent, GB?

A private flight involving a **Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche** resulted in significant structural damage to the wing spars following a hard landing on a grass runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-08-14 involved a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, registration G-ATMT, at Maypole Aerodrome, Kent, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The heavy landing was likely caused by a low approach speed, potentially exacerbated by a tailwind component and the pilot's reliance on visual cues rather than airspeed instruments, leading to a sudden loss of altitude just before touchdown.

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