What happened
On 22 May 2020, a BAe ATP, registration SE-MAO, operating a cargo flight from Guernsey to Birmingham, experienced a runway excursion during its second approach to Runway 33. The arrival was subject to strong south-westerly winds, with gusts reaching 27 knots.
During the initial approach, the aircraft briefly touched down off-centerline, prompting the co-pilot to initiate a go-around. However, a communication breakdown occurred when the commander, misinterpreting the intent, instructed the co-tpilot to continue the landing. This led to the aircraft touching down again approximately 20 degrees left of the runway heading. Following this second touchdown, the aircraft veered sharply to the left. Despite the application of full rudder, the aircraft left the paved surface and traveled approximately 450 meters across the airfield before the wheels returned to the pavement.
The investigation
The investigation examined flight data from the aircraft's FDR and SSCVR, alongside CCTV and witness video. Investigators analyzed the weather conditions, noting that while the wind was within the aircraft's certified limits, it was significant enough to cause turbulence and a strong crosswind component.
The investigation also reviewed the flight crew's experience and training. Both crew members were relatively new to the aircraft type and had not previously practiced landings in near-limit crosswind conditions. The investigation focused on the control inputs used during the landing roll, specifically the lack of into-wind aileron and the sudden application of full right aileron.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the application of full right aileron during the landing roll, which caused the aircraft to bank and lift the left main gear, making the deviation unrecoverable.
- The crew failed to utilize the correct crosswind landing technique, specifically neglecting to maintain into-wind aileron.
- The investigation suggests the pilot may have experienced an inappropriate "motor programme," where the subconscious instinct to steer a car (turning a wheel right to go right) replaced the correct aerodynamic input required for a crosswind landing.
- A breakdown in crew coordination and communication during the first approach led to the unstable second approach.
- The crew did not sufficiently brief the challenges of the crosswind conditions or establish clear procedures for the landing roll.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator implemented the following measures:
- Amended recurrent simulator training across the fleet to specifically include crosswind landing techniques.
- Introduced a temporary crosswind limit for new co-pilots during their first year of operation on type, to be lifted only after successful demonstration of correct techniques in simulator sessions.