What happened
On 25 May 2009, a Rockwell Commander 112, registration G-FLPI, was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase at Newcastle International Airport. While landing on Runway 25, the aircraft veered sharply to the left immediately upon touchdown. The pilot attempted to maintain control to prevent the aircraft from leaving the paved surface, but the deviation continued until the aircraft came to an abrupt halt in the long grass adjacent to the runway.
The impact with the grass caused the nosewheel to collapse. As a result of the excursion, the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the nose gear, and the forward section of the fuselage. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. At 1120 hrs, the METAR indicated winds from 180° at 9 knots, with directions varying between 130° and 210°. Data from the aircraft's ascent, recorded shortly before the incident, was analyzed alongside Met Office estimates. These estimates suggested that between 1115 hrs and the time of the accident, the area could have experienced gusts reaching up to 13 knots from a direction between 180° and 200°.
Findings
- The aircraft veered violently to the left during the landing roll.
- The nosewheel collapse and subsequent damage to the propeller and fuselage were caused by the aircraft exiting the runway into long grass.
- Wind conditions at the time included variable directions and potential gusts.