What happened
On 12 April 2014, a Cirrus SR22, registration N222SW, was conducting a private flight from Fairoaks, Surrey, to Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight. During the landing phase on Runway 30, the aircraft experienced a bounce on the main wheels, which was immediately followed by a second bounce on the nosewheel.
Following this second impact, the pilot attempted a go-around by applying power. While the aircraft successfully climbed away, the pilot observed that the engine performance was significantly degraded, with the aircraft reaching only approximately 80% of its typical cruise speed. The pilot subsequently decided to abort the mission and return to Fairoaks. Upon landing at the destination, an inspection revealed that the propeller had made contact with the ground, and damage was noted to the nosewheel leg and the nosewheel spat. There was also potential damage to the engine that required further assessment.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing maneuvers and the subsequent loss of engine performance. The investigation established that there were no injuries to the pilot during the event.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a propeller strike caused by the nosewheel bouncing during the landing sequence.
- The pilot noted that the touchdown may have been performed with excessive airspeed.
- It is believed that the pilot may have relaxed back pressure on the control column after the initial bounce, rather than immediately initiating a go-around procedure.
- The engine performance degradation was a direct result of the impact caused by the propeller hitting the runway surface.