What happened
On 16 September 2001, a Socata TB9, registration G-BHOZ, was conducting a private flight from Kemble to Thruxton. During the arrival, the pilot noted a surface wind of 350°/15 kt, gusting to 20 kt. While the crosswind component was within the aircraft's 25 kt limit, the pilot opted to use the tarmac Runway 07 rather than the grass Runway 31 due to a lack of experience with grass runway operations.
As the aircraft crossed the threshold of Runway 07, a strong gust pushed the plane toward the right edge of the runway. In response, the pilot initiated a missed approach. During the climb, the pilot applied full power and retracted the flaps to the take-off position at an altitude of approximately 30 to 50 feet. At this stage, the aircraft's speed was roughly 60 kt.
During the maneuver, the aircraft began to lose altitude, and a subsequent gust caused the left wing to rise. To avoid a ground impact, the pilot turned the aircraft toward the parallel grass Runway 07. The left main undercarriage wheel made contact with the ground first, causing the aircraft to bounce. During the following touchdown, the right wing tip struck the surface, resulting in minor damage to the wing tip before the aircraft came to a stop.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the flight conditions, the pilot's decision-making regarding runway selection, and the sequence of aerodynamic changes during the aborted landing. The investigation established that the pilot was flying with 279 total hours, 81 of which were on this specific type.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in gusty conditions with a crosswind component near the aircraft's limits.
- The pilot's decision to land on the tarmac runway was influenced by a lack of experience with grass runway operations.
- Insufficient airspeed during the missed approach in gusty conditions was a primary factor in the aircraft's inability to maintain altitude.
- The aircraft's descent and subsequent turn toward the grass runway led to the wing tip making contact with the ground.