Accident Details
On 1 September 2016 at 1400 hrs UTC, a Flight Design CTSW, registration G-OMSA, experienced a hard landing and subsequent nose-over at Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Essex. According to the pilot's report, the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 60 KIAS. During the flare, the aircraft struck the runway hard, causing the nose to dig in and the aircraft to pitch onto its back. The pilot exited the aircraft unaided and uninjured; there was no fire.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Flight Design CTSW, was manufactured in 2009 (serial number 8501) and powered by a single Rotax 912ULS piston engine. It was being operated as a private flight with one crew member and no passengers. The pilot, aged 70, held a National Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 134 hours of total flying experience, all on type, with 33 hours in command. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 5 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours.
Weather and Runway Conditions
The weather at the time was reported as CAVOK with a 5 kt wind along Runway 21, which had a grass surface. The pilot noted a deep rut in the runway after the accident but could not determine whether it was pre-existing or caused during the event.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the landing gear, tail, propeller, fuselage, and right wing, with windscreens broken.
Probable Cause
The pilot was unsure of the cause of the accident. No probable cause was determined by the investigation.