What happened
On 24 October 2003, a TBM 700, registration N700VA, was conducting a private flight from Edinburgh to Dundee. During the visual approach to Runway 28, the pilot experienced a float during the flare, which led to a light bounce upon touchdown. Following this bounce, the aircraft experienced a left yaw and a subsequent left roll, though the pitch attitude remained normal and no stall warnings were received.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied full right rudder, but the yaw persisted. The pilot then increased power to initiate a go-around procedure. During this maneuver, the left wing struck the ground, causing a rapid leftward yaw that resulted in one of the aircraft's wheels striking a low wall. Following the impact, the pilot reduced engine power and ditched the aircraft in the River Tay, approximately 10 metres from the shoreline.
All 4 persons on board (the pilot and three passengers) sustained minor injuries. The aircraft remained partially buoyant with the top of the fuselage above the waterline. The occupants evacuated through the main door and waited on the wing for rescue via a hovercraft. Due to the limited capacity of the rescue craft, the evacuation was delayed, leading to the crew and passengers suffering from mild hypothermia.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events surrounding the touchdown and the subsequent go-around attempt. Air traffic controllers provided observations noting that the aircraft achieved a high nose attitude during the go-around attempt before the left wing dropped and the aircraft veered left. The investigation also looked into the physical impact with the wall and the subsequent ditching in the river.