What happened
On September 22, 2019, an Aeroprakt-A2 and2-L operated by Aeroklub ROW was conducting a VFR flight from Gotartowice (EPRG) to Lisie Kąty (EPGI). The flight included a passenger who was intended to ferry a different aircraft to the destination.
Upon arriving at the Lisie Kąty aerodrome, the pilot requested traffic information and declared intentions to enter a left-hand pattern for runway 31. After being instructed to perform an overhead circuit to allow a glider to land, the pilot proceeded with the approach. Due to poor planning of the fourth turn in the pattern, the aircraft remained at an excessive altitude on the final approach. To lose this excess altitude, the pilot executed a sideslip.
The aircraft touched down approximately one-third of the way down the runway. However, the landing occurred at an excessive speed, causing the main gear to bounce (a phenomenon known as "kangarooing") to a height of approximately 80 cm. The pilot responded to this bounce by pushing the control column forward, which resulted in a hard impact on the nose gear. Following the landing roll, the aircraft taxied to a hangar, where a post-flight inspection revealed structural damage to the nose gear assembly.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation confirmed that the pilot held the necessary licenses and ratings for the flight and that the aircraft was technically airworthy with all required documentation in order. The investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers during the landing phase and the pilot's reaction to the aircraft's bounce.
Findings
- The pilot failed to properly plan the fourth turn, resulting in an approach at an excessive altitude.
- The pilot utilized a sideslip to correct the altitude, which contributed to the high-speed touchdown.
- The aircraft touched down at a speed too high for the main gear to absorb the impact, causing the aircraft to bounce.
- The pilot's improper reaction to the bounce, specifically pushing the control column forward, caused the nose gear to strike the ground with excessive force.
- The impact caused the lower part of the nose gear strut to bend and the welded connection at the top of the strut to fracture.
- A contributing factor was the elevation difference of approximately 720 ft between the departure and arrival aerodromes.