What happened
On 8 June 2014, a Dynamic WT9 UK, registration G-JFDI, was conducting a private flight when the pilot became distracted by an individual walking along the grass runway at Haddenham, Oxfordshire. While on the downwind leg, the pilot observed the person in the middle of the runway and requested their removal via radio. To allow the individual to clear the area, the pilot extended the downwind leg.
As the aircraft transitioned to the final approach, the person had moved to the right side of the runway near the threshold. Due to the lengthened approach, the aircraft descended lower than intended. During the landing attempt, the aircraft made contact with corn crops short of the runway threshold. This contact resulted in a loud impact and the subsequent detachment of the nosewheel. The pilot immediately applied power to execute a go-around. To avoid further risks associated with the grass surface, the pilot decided to divert to Oakley airfield, which features a concrete runway. During the landing at Oakley, the pilot attempted to keep the nose gear off the ground for as long as possible. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of the nosewheel and the pilot's decision-making process. The AAIB examined the impact of the extended downwind leg on the aircraft's glide path and the role of external distractions. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision to continue the approach despite the presence of a person near the threshold and the subsequent decision to divert to a concrete runway to mitigate further damage.