What happened
On 24 April 1999, a Rans S7, registration G-BWMN, was performing a private flight from Turweston to Shobdon, Herefordshire. During the approach to Runway 27, the pilot experienced a bounce upon initial touchdown, which caused the aircraft to drift toward the left side of the runway.
In an attempt to execute a go-around, the pilot applied full power. However, noticing two PAPI indicator units positioned to the left of the runway, the pilot feared the aircraft lacked sufficient altitude to clear the obstacles. Consequently, the pilot closed the throttle and performed a heavy landing on the disused shoulder of the runway. While attempting to steer the aircraft away from the PAPI units, the left landing gear struck an old drain, causing the gear to collapse. The aircraft then slewed to the left and came to a stop in a soft, ploughed field. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the engine cowling, propeller, right wing tip, and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight controls and the aircraft's weight and balance. The pilot noted that this was his first landing using full flaps. Although he had tested elevator authority at 55 mph with power applied, he found that at the same speed with the throttle at idle during the landing flare, the elevator response was sluggish and failed to arrest the descent.
Investigators reviewed the aircraft's loading. While the pilot estimated the centre of gravity (CG) was at 73.2 inches aft of datum, AAIB calculations—using loading data and PFA weighing reports—determined the CG was actually at 75.8 inches aft of datum. The aircraft's weight was estimated at 1,061 lbs, near its maximum operating limit of 1,100 lbs.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control during the flare was the insufficient elevator effectiveness caused by a combination of low airspeed, a power-idle setting, and a relatively high gross weight.