What happened
On 25 March 2000, a Streak Shadow, registration G-BRZZ, was performing a private flight at Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands. During the approach to Runway 15, the pilot encountered minor turbulence caused by the presence of hangars located to the south of the runway. The surface wind was recorded at 170°/6 kt.
As the aircraft entered the landing flare, the pilot noted that the flare was slightly high. This resulted in the development of a sink rate that could not be corrected with additional engine power. Consequently, the aircraft struck the runway surface with all three landing gears making contact simultaneously. The impact caused slight damage to the tail boom.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the flight conditions and the pilot's maneuvers during the final stages of the landing. The pilot, who held a Private Pilots Licence and had 74 total flying hours, was wearing full upper torso restraint at the time of the incident and escaped the aircraft without injury.