What happened
On 2 July 2014, an Ikarus C42 FB80, registration G-DCDO, was conducting a private flight returning to Old Sarum via Dunkeswell Airfield. During the approach to Runway 17, the pilot identified that the runway threshold was significantly displaced. In an attempt to adjust the glidepath to reach the correct landing area, the pilot increased engine power. This adjustment resulted in a much shallower descent profile, causing the pilot to flare too high and leading to an aerodynamic stall.
In an effort to recover from the stall, the pilot pushed the control column forward, which led to a heavy impact with the runway. The aircraft bounced back into the air following this contact. The pilot subsequently performed a go-around and completed a second approach, landing successfully. However, following the initial impact, the nosewheel tyre had deflated, and the nosewheel fork and gear mountings sustained damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the aircraft's condition following the incident. The investigation established that the pilot had previously visited Dunkeswell earlier that day and was aware of the displaced threshold, yet failed to account for it during the approach. The pilot also noted that time constraints related to refueling and returning to the destination had contributed to a hurried approach.
Findings
- The pilot's attempt to arrest the rate of descent by applying power created an excessively shallow glidepath.
- The pilot's instinctive reaction to the stall—pushing the nose down—contributed to the heavy touchdown.
- The pilot's decision-making was influenced by time pressure and the need to refuel.
- There were no injuries to the crew or the single passenger on board.