What happened
On 14 May 2014, an Ercoupe 415D, registration G-ERCO, was being flown from Manston, Kent, to Pent Farm airstrip for the purpose of moving the aircraft to new hangarage. The flight was a private operation involving two crew members: the owner-pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor, who was accompanying the pilot due to a lack of recent flying experience.
During the approach to the 840-metre grass runway, the pilot positioned the aircraft downwind for a left-hand approach to Runway 07. The pilot reported that the turn onto the base leg was performed too early, which resulted in difficulty maintaining visual contact with the airstrip. As the aircraft transitioned to the final approach, it drifted across the runway centerline before the pilot was able to correct the course. The pilot noted that the approach speed was slightly higher than ideal.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck a bump on the runway, causing it to bounce. A second bounce occurred after hitting another uneven section of the strip. During the third bounce, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to sustain damage to the propeller, the engine (which suffered a shock-load), the underside of the fuselage, and the nosewheel assembly. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the physical damage to the aircraft. The investigation focused on the pilot's flight path and the sequence of impacts with the ground. The inquiry established that the pilot's recent flying experience was limited, having flown only one hour in the 90 days preceding the accident. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision-making process regarding the management of the aircraft following the initial bounce.