Event
On 23 August 2014 at 0800 UTC, a privately operated EV-97 Eurostar Sl microlight, registration G-SINN, was landing on Runway 05 at Sandown Airport, Isle of Wight. The pilot reported that after what seemed a normal approach, he applied insufficient flare, causing the aircraft to land on its nosewheel. He then applied power and executed a go-around. A subsequent landing was carried out normally.
Aircraft and Pilot
The microlight, manufactured in 2014 (serial no. 2014-4203), was powered by a single Rotax 912 ULS piston engine. The pilot, aged 59, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accrued 109 hours of flying experience, with 4 hours on type. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he had flown 6 hours, and 4 hours in the last 28 days. No passengers were on board, and the pilot was uninjured.
Aftermath
Some time after the flight, the pilot noticed damage to the structure at the junction of the firewall and the floor panel. He considered that this damage was most likely caused when the aircraft landed on its nosewheel during the first landing attempt.