What happened
On 23 April 2017, a Cessna 195, registration N3458V, was conducting a private flight at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. The pilot was performing landing circuits when the incident occurred during the third touchdown attempt.
Upon landing, the aircraft experienced a bounce. This impact caused the pilot's feet to shift upward on the rudder pedals, inadvertently engaging the brakes. Because the aircraft was only equipped with lap strap restraints, the force of the bounce threw the pilot's upper body forward, preventing them from correcting the descent or releasing the brakes. Consequently, the aircraft pitched forward onto its nose and ended up in an inverted position. The aircraft sustained significant airframe damage, though the pilot escaped the wreckage without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events following the pilot's report. The investigation focused on the physical mechanics of the touchdown and the cockpit environment. It was established that the lack of full-body restraints played a critical role in the pilot's inability to maintain control of the flight controls during the bounce. The investigation also noted the pilot's experience level, noting 2,643 total flying hours, though only 8 of those hours were recorded on this specific aircraft type.