What happened
On 19 April 2015, a Cessna 182H aircraft, registered G-PUGS, was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase at Stoke Golding Airfield, Leicestershire. While attempting to land on Runway 08, the nosewheel of the aircraft struck a section of the runway that was saturated with water. This contact caused the nose landing gear leg to collapse underneath the fuselage.
The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, the nosewheel, and the front lower cowling. Despite the suddenness of the gear collapse, there were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board. Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft through their individual doors without incident.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. During the inquiry, it was noted that the pilot had previously used the opposite end of the airfield, Runway 26, for departure earlier in the flight, and found the surface conditions at that end to be acceptable. However, the pilot determined that the specific area of Runway 08 used for the landing was excessively wet.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the nosewheel digging into the wet ground upon touchdown.
- The pilot's assessment indicated that the surface condition of the landing area was too soft/wet for a safe touchdown.