What happened
On 24 May 2017, a BRM Land Africa, registration EI-FMO, was performing local circuits at Limetree Airfield, Co. Laois. During the third circuit, while the pilot was executing the landing flare for Runway 19, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of lift. In an attempt to correct the descent, the pilot increased the pitch attitude, which resulted in a heavy impact on the nose wheel. The force of the landing caused the nose wheel and its mounting fork to bend and break away from the aircraft. Following this separation, the propeller struck the ground, causing significant damage to all three blades. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured, and the aircraft came to a stop approximately 10 metres after the impact.
The investigation
AAIU inspectors examined the aircraft and the impact site to determine the cause of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was appropriately licensed and that the aircraft was maintained under a valid Permit-to-Fly. The inspection of the aircraft revealed substantial damage, specifically the separation of the nose wheel assembly and damage to the propeller, including one broken blade and one cracked blade. While a full engine inspection was not performed, investigators noted that the engine likely experienced shock load damage due to the propeller hitting the ground. Meteorological data indicated settled weather conditions with light winds and no significant weather warnings in effect.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden sink during the landing flare.
- The pilot's attempt to compensate for the loss of lift led to a hard nose-wheel impact.
- The impact caused the structural failure of the nose wheel mounting fork.
- The pilot noted the presence of thermal activity immediately before the incident, which may have influenced the aircraft's handling during the flare.