Incident Details
On 16 July 2017, a pilot and a passenger planned a flight from Wrocław (EPWS) to Warsaw Babice Airport (EPBC). The pilot rented an AT-3 aircraft from the Wrocław Aeroclub, valid from 13:00 to 19:00 local time. After completing a pre-flight inspection, the pilot started the engine, taxied, and took off at 13:35 LT. The flight proceeded along the planned route.
Upon arrival at EPBC, the pilot received landing clearance and approached runway 28. The pilot extended flaps to 40°, reduced engine power, and began the landing flare. During touchdown, the aircraft bounced off the runway. With low speed, the aircraft contacted the ground again, striking the runway with the nose section. This resulted in damage to the nose landing gear leg and the propeller.
After the landing roll, the pilot shut down the engine. Both the pilot and passenger exited the aircraft unassisted and sustained no injuries. The aircraft was subsequently moved to the grass area of the airfield, off the runway.
Cause
The cause of the incident was pilot error: the pilot failed to respond appropriately with the flight controls to the aircraft bouncing off the runway (a kangaroo).
Aftermath
No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear and propeller. The investigation did not issue any safety recommendations.