What happened
On 22 July 2016, an Ikarsson C42 FB80, registration G-SARM, was conducting a private flight returning to Redlands Airfield in Wiltshire. While flying the base leg for Runway 24 North, the pilot observed cattle positioned near the runway. To avoid the animals, the pilot extended the base leg to utilize the parallel, though shorter, Runway 24 South.
In an effort to maximize the use of the available runway length, the pilot intended to touch down as close to the threshold as possible. During the final approach, the aircraft experienced a higher sink rate than anticipated. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by pitching the nose up, but the aircraft touched down and bounced. This resulted in a heavy impact on the nose landing gear, causing the component to detach from the airframe. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the aircraft's mechanical response to the impact. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained moderate damage to the propeller and engine cowling following the separation of the nose gear. The pilot's flight experience was noted at 126 total hours, with 16 hours specifically on this aircraft type.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to land on the shorter runway necessitated a touchdown very close to the threshold.
- The aircraft experienced an unexpectedly high sink rate during the final approach.
- The pilot's attempt to hold off the aircraft led to a bounce and a subsequent heavy nose impact.
- The impact force exceeded the structural limits of the nose landing gear, causing it to detach.