What happened
On January 31, 2018, an Aquila AT01-100C, registration HB-SGT, was performing a private VFR flight from Lommis to Birrfeld. During the landing phase at Birrfeld, the aircraft encountered a wind gust at the moment of touchdown, which caused the plane to lift off the runway again.
Following this initial bounce, the aircraft struck the runway a second time. The pilot increased engine power, causing the aircraft to become airborne once more. However, the impact of the second touchdown was severe enough to tear away the nose gear and cause damage to the propeller tips. After completing a circuit, the pilot attempted a second approach. This second landing was smooth, with the pilot using the elevator to maintain a nose-high attitude. Because the nose gear was missing, the aircraft slid approximately 100 to 150 meters along the runway before coming to a complete stop.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the mechanical sequence of the landing. At the time of the incident, the wind was recorded as blowing from 250 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts reaching 16 knots. The investigation focused on the impact of these gusts during the touchdown phase and the subsequent structural damage to the Aquila AT01-100C.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a wind gust occurring exactly at the moment of touchdown.
- The aircraft sustained light damage to the airframe and propeller.
- The impact of the bounced landing resulted in the nose gear being torn from the aircraft.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or any other persons involved.