What happened
On 19 July 2006, a Rockwell Commander 114, registration G-DDIG, was performing a private flight near Tain, Scotland. While approaching Runway 29 at Fearn Airstrip, the pilot established an approach using Flap 35. At approximately 20 feet above the ground, the aircraft bounced during the landing attempt.
In response to the bounce, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around. During this maneuver, the pilot applied full power but incorrectly selected the flap control to the 'up' position instead of the standard Flap 20 setting used for go-arounds. This action caused the flaps to retract completely. As a result, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of lift and an increased rate of descent. The aircraft sank toward the runway while yawing to the right. Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing G-DDIG to come to rest at the edge of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flap actuation system and the pilot's actions during the critical moments of the go-around. It was established that the flaps on this aircraft are electrically actuated via a three-position switch (up, neutral, and down). The switch is spring-loaded in the down direction, meaning it must be held to extend the flaps. However, when the switch is moved to the 'up' position, the flaps retract fully.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the full retraction of the flaps during a go-around maneuver.
- The pilot's decision to move the flap switch to the 'up' position led to an immediate loss of lift and an uncontrolled descent.
- The aircraft required significant nose-up trim during the approach, which necessitated further trim adjustments when full power was applied for the go-around.