What happened
On 26 June 2010, a Europa XS aircraft, registration G-SRYY, was performing a private flight from Garston Farm Airfield in England to Cork, Ireland. While approaching runway 17 at Cork Airport, the pilot was managing a crosswind component of 13 knots. During the landing sequence, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude, struck the main wheels, and subsequently bounced back into the air.
Following this bounce, the aircraft pitched forward and struck the runway on its nose wheel. The impact was severe enough to cause the nose gear to fracture and detach from the airframe. As the severed nose leg dragged along the asphalt, the propeller blades made contact with the runway surface. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was able to exit the aircraft without injury, and no fire occurred during the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight history and the pilot's experience levels. It was noted that while the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence, he had very limited experience with this specific aircraft type, having completed only five hours of flight time on the model, much of which was recent conversion training. Furthermore, the pilot's previous landings on this type had been conducted on grass runways, whereas this incident occurred on a large, paved international runway.
Findings
- The aircraft was properly certified for operation in Irish airspace.
- The pilot was appropriately licensed for the flight.
- The aircraft suffered substantial damage, including a fractured nose wheel and damage to all three propeller blades.
- The sequence of events involved a bounced landing followed by a heavy nose-first impact.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft type may have influenced the outcome.
Safety action
No safety recommendations were issued as a result of this investigation.