Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was an EV-97 Teameurostar UK, registration G-CEZF, manufactured in 2007 (serial number 3205). It was powered by one Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence, was 61 years old, and had a total flying experience of 576 hours, all on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 25 hours, and in the last 28 days, 8 hours.
Accident Details
On 1 July 2018 at 1200 UTC, the pilot was conducting a private flight and performed a straight-in approach to Runway 09 at Strathaven Airfield, South Lanarkshire. The pilot reported that the airspeed and touchdown point were appropriate. Approximately 150 meters into the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a series of ridges on the runway surface. This induced a bouncing motion that the pilot was unable to control. As a result, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were sustained by the pilot, and there were no passengers on board. The aircraft sustained damage in the form of a collapsed nosewheel and a propeller strike.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot noted that to negate the effect of the runway ridges, landings must be very precise in speed and touchdown.