What happened
On 2 June 1998, a Piper PA-38-112, registration G-EORG, was completing a private local flight when it experienced an incident during landing at Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire. During the initial approach to runway 25, the aircraft was affected by a wind gust while in the flare, prompting the pilot to perform a successful go-around.
On the subsequent approach, the surface wind had shifted to 220°/20 kt. The pilot prepared the aircraft for a crosswind landing, maintaining a satisfactory approach along the runway centerline. However, as the aircraft entered the flare, another gust of wind struck the plane. Before any corrective maneuvers could be implemented, the right mainwheel touched the runway, followed closely by the nosewheel. While the aircraft continued its landing roll without further incident, a post-flight inspection identified substantial damage to the nose landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the flight conditions, noting the significant crosswind component present during the landing attempts. The pilot's experience level was also noted, as the commander held a Private Pilot's Licence with 58 total flying hours, 54 of which were on this specific type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing error was the pilot initiating the flare too early in an attempt to protect the nose landing gear from the effects of the crosswind.
- A sudden gust of wind during the flare phase prevented the pilot from correcting the aircraft's attitude before the nosewheel made contact with the runway.