What happened
On 7 May 2016, a private flight involving an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, registration G-CGOG, was returning to its home base at Whittles Farm Airstrip in Oxfordshire. During the final approach to Runway 11, the pilot conducted a relatively high-speed approach. As the aircraft entered the flare, a gust of wind affected the plane, causing it to make heavy contact with the grass runway while still maintaining significant forward momentum.
This impact resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The aircraft subsequently slid along the 380-metre runway, coming to a stop roughly two-thirds of the way down the strip. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the firewall.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the accident report submitted by the pilot and examined the environmental conditions at the time of the occurrence. The weather was characterized by good visibility, scattered clouds, and a light breeze from the south-east. The investigation focused on the pilot's approach technique and the impact of wind gusts during the landing phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was the significant contact with the runway during the flare phase.
- The pilot's approach speed was noted as being fairly fast.
- A wind gust during the flare contributed to the heavy touchdown.
- The investigation highlighted the importance of maintaining correct speeds and using appropriate techniques to keep weight off the nosewheel, as outlined in CAA safety guidance.