Accident Details
On 25 July 2018 at 0815 UTC, a Jabiru SK, registration G-OJAB, sustained damage to its nose landing gear, engine cowlings, and propeller during a landing at a private strip in Higham, Kent. The aircraft was conducting a private flight from Southery Airfield, Norfolk. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured and exited the aircraft without assistance.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Jabiru SK, serial number PFA 274-13031, year of manufacture 1996. It was powered by one Jabiru 2200A piston engine.
Pilot Experience
The pilot, aged 43, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 321 total flying hours, of which 39 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 6 hours, with 4 hours in the last 28 days.
Landing and Aftermath
The pilot had not previously visited the Higham strip. Before landing, he overflew the runway to assess its condition and radioed the owner to confirm it was clear. He then landed on Runway 17, touching down approximately one quarter of the way along the strip. Given the short runway length, he applied the brakes firmly. He reported that the braking force was greater than expected, which he attributed to the hard, dry surface. The nose landing gear collapsed and the aircraft veered to the left.
Pilot Comments
The pilot considered that the sudden braking had placed excessive force on the nose landing gear leg, causing it to fail. He commented that in future he would apply less than full braking force, or apply the brakes in short bursts if more urgent braking was required.