Accident Overview
On 25 May 2009 at 1129 hours UTC, a Rockwell Commander 112, registration G-FLPI, experienced a runway excursion while landing on Runway 25 at Newcastle International Airport. The aircraft was manufactured in 1974 and powered by a single Lycoming IO-360-C1D6 piston engine. The flight was conducted under a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) with one crew member and no passengers.
Sequence of Events
During the landing, the aircraft veered violently to the left upon touchdown. The pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from departing the runway. The aircraft came to an abrupt stop in long grass adjacent to the runway. The nosewheel collapsed, and the propeller and forward fuselage sustained damage. The pilot reported no injuries.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 61, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 797 total flying hours, of which 669 were on the Rockwell Commander 112 type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, the pilot had flown 9 hours, with 2 hours in the last 28 days.
Meteorological Conditions
At 1120 hours, the METAR for Newcastle International Airport reported wind from 180° at 9 knots, variable between 130° and 210°. Based on ascent data taken near Newcastle at 1115 hours, the Met Office subsequently estimated that gusts of up to 13 knots could be expected between 180° and 200°.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, nose gear, and forward fuselage. The pilot was uninjured.
Additional Information
No probable cause was identified in the official source.