What happened
On 29 January 2008, a Rockwell Turbo Commander, registration N51WF, was performing a private flight at Fairoaks Airfield in Surrey. The weather during the approach was favorable, characterized by calm winds and good visibility. The pilot positioned the aircraft on the left base for a landing on Runway 24.
During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft landed with significant force. The impact caused the tail of the aircraft to strike the runway surface. This contact resulted in severe damage to the aircraft, specifically causing the rear fuselage structure to buckle and wrinkle around its circumference, just behind the point where the underside of the fuselage made contact with the ground. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Following the incident, the AAIB conducted an inquiry based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. The investigation focused on the flight parameters during the flare and the subsequent impact. The pilot noted that the aircraft was configured for landing and that the flare was performed at a slightly higher altitude than ideal.
Data gathered during the investigation established that the aircraft's speed during the landing phase was potentially lower than usual. The pilot indicated that the landing was heavy and that he believed additional power should have been applied to better manage the sink rate during the final moments of the approach.