What happened
On 20 July 2004, a SNCAN Nord 1101 Noralpha, registration G-BSMD, was operating a private flight at North Weald, Essex. The aircraft had been granted a permit to fly to facilitate a ferry flight from North Weald to Prestwick following maintenance work intended to return the aircraft to service after several years of storage. Prior to the ferry flight, the pilot, who possessed only one hour of experience on this specific type, attempted a series of touch-and-go circuits on Runway 02 to gain familiarity with the aircraft's handling.
The first approach resulted in a hard landing after the flare failed to sufficiently reduce the descent rate, exacerbated by a prominent hump on the runway. During the second approach, a 7-knot gusting crosswind from the west caused the aircraft to weathercock. The pilot's attempt to correct this with into-wind aertron input led to an intense left sideslip, causing the aircraft to touch down heavily while moving laterally across the runway. Following a third, gentler approach, the left main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. The aircraft veered left and came to a stop on the grass at the western edge of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's recent flying history and the specific handling characteristics of the SNCAN Nord 1101 Noralpha. It was noted that the pilot's recent experience had been on a much more modern, simple single-engine aircraft. Investigators also reviewed the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft, noting that while the ailerons remain highly effective at low speeds, the aircraft is prone to rapid descents if power is reduced too early, as the elevator may lack the authority required for an adequate flare.
Findings
- The pilot had very limited experience on the type, with only one hour of flight time previously recorded.
- The left main landing gear collapse occurred during the rollout of the third landing attempt.
- The aircraft's design characteristics, specifically the potential for rapid descent and high roll rates at low speeds, contributed to the difficulty of the maneuvers.
- The pilot's handling of the aircraft during the second approach was influenced by a 7-knot crosswind and a lack of familiarity with the type's response to aileron input.