What happened
On 23 August 2014, an EV-97 Eurostar Sl microllight, registration G-SINN, was conducting a private flight at Sandown Airport, Isle of Wight. During the approach to Runway 05, the pilot performed what initially appeared to be a standard approach. However, during the landing phase, the pilot failed to apply enough flare, causing the aircraft to touch down on its nosewheel.
Following this impact, the pilot immediately applied power to execute a go-around. The subsequent landing attempt was completed normally without further incident. It was only after the flight had concluded that the pilot identified structural damage located at the junction where the floor panel meets the firewall.
The investigation
Following the submission of an accident report by the pilot, the investigation focused on the cause of the structural damage. The examination established that the damage to the firewall and floor panel junction was consistent with the forces exerted during the nosewheel impact. The pilot concluded that the damage most likely occurred during the initial unsuccessful landing attempt.