What happened
On 6 February 1998, a Reims Cessna FRA150L, registration G-BEOY, was completing a private local flight when the pilot attempted to land at Crowfield Airfield in Suffolk. To assess the wind conditions via the airfield windsock, the pilot performed an overhead rejoin before selecting Runway 31 for the approach. During the flare, the pilot observed that the aircraft's speed was higher than anticipated. The aircraft subsequently touched down and underwent a series of bounces. On the third bounce, the nosewheel collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to rest on its main wheels with the nose resting on the runway. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, cowling, and nose landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's assessment of the wind and the sequence of the landing. While the pilot initially believed the wind was favorable for Runway 31, retrospective analysis suggested the windsock had been misread. The pilot acknowledged that a tailwind component was likely present during the approach. Furthermore, the investigation compared the pilot's observations with official meteorological data. While the pilot's report indicated a surface wind from 060° to 090° at 8 to 10 kt, an official Meteorological Office forecast recorded the surface wind at 200° at 15 kt. This discrepancy indicates that the aircraft was likely facing a significant tailwind during the landing attempt.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the wind direction, leading to an approach with a tailwind component.
- The aircraft's speed during the flare was higher than normal due to this wind condition.
- The sequence of bounces during touchdown led to the structural failure of the nosewheel.