What happened
On 23 June 2021, a Comco Ikarus C42 FB100 C, registration G-CLYP, was conducting a private flight from Cotswold Airport to Perranporth Airfield in Cornwall. The flight originated from Little Snoring Airfield, with a refueling stop at Cotswold earlier in the day. During the approach to Runway 01, the pilot maintained a stable 60 kt airspeed and a good glidepath. However, during the flare, the pilot identified that the aircraft was too high but proceeded with the landing attempt.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced and struck the runway with significant force. This hard landing resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and damage to the propeller. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft came to a stop on the airfield.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances leading to the unstable approach and the physical impact on the aircraft. The pilot noted that the intense sunlight passing through the aircraft's overhead transparency had caused discomfort throughout the flight. Furthermore, the pilot had not consumed fluids since departing Little Snoring at 1020 hrs and had not prepared for the heat by bringing headwear or ensuring adequate hydration.
Findings
- The pilot experienced a severe headache following the flight, which he attributed to dehydration or potential mild heat stroke.
- The pilot's decision-making during the landing phase may have been impaired by dehydration.
- The pilot had not accounted for the impact of seasonal weather changes or the lack of sun protection during the journey.