What happened
On 28 April 2001, a Reims Cessna FA152, registration G-JEET, was performing a private flight at Kent International Airport, Manston. While approaching Runway 28, the pilot encountered a 15-knot crosswind. During the landing sequence, the aircraft was flared at an altitude significantly above the runway surface. This high flare resulted in the pilot failing to sufficiently correct for drift, leading to substantial lateral movement as the aircraft made contact with the runway.
Upon touchdown, the left wing and the tail of the aircraft lifted. This movement caused the propeller and the right wing tip to strike the runway surface. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to the wing tip and the propeller.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the pilot's flight experience. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 134 total flying hours, all of which were on this specific aircraft type. The investigation noted that the pilot's recent flying experience was limited, with only three hours recorded in the preceding 90 days.
An analysis of the landing environment was conducted, specifically comparing the dimensions of the runway in use to the pilot's typical operating environment. It was noted that the pilot was accustomed to landing on a runway width of only 37 metres, whereas the runway at Manston is 61 metres wide.
Findings
- The pilot flared the aircraft too high above the runway surface during the approach.
- A visual illusion caused by the significantly wider runway at Manston led to an improper flare height.
- The high flare prevented effective correction of the drift caused by the 15-knot crosswind, resulting in the wing and propeller making contact with the ground.