What happened
On 31 January 1998, a Piper PA-34-220T, registration G-HMJB, was performing a private flight when it experienced a heavy landing at Lincoln (Wickenby) Airport. The weather conditions at the time were favorable, characterized by good visibility and a light surface wind of 02 knots from 320°.
During the final approach to runway 03, the pilot utilized GPS data to monitor the distance to the touchdown point, as the airfield lacked visual approach slope indicators. The pilot crossed the runway threshold at a speed of approximately 80 kt. Before the flare could be completed, the aircraft struck the concrete surface with significant force, impacting nosewheel first. This initial impact caused the aircraft to bounce twice before eventually coming to rest to the left of the runway centerline. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the left wing, both propellers, the underside of the forward fuselage, and the nose landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the pilot's accident report, focused on the pilot's approach technique and altitude perception. It was established that the pilot was acutely aware of the short runway length at Wickenby and was intent on touching down at the threshold. This determination was influenced by a previous experience during an ILS approach at Bristol, where the pilot had flared too high.
To ensure a precise touchdown, the pilot attempted to judge the aircraft's height by monitoring the runway surface in close proximity to the side of the aircraft. This method deviated from standard aviation practice, which dictates that height should be assessed by looking toward the far end of the runway.