What happened
On 11 June 2016, a Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, registration G-ARLB, was performing a private flight when it experienced a heavy landing at Old Buckenham Airfield, Norfolk. During the approach to Runway 25, which was characterized by good visibility and light, variable winds, the pilot began to flare the aircraft at approximately 20 feet above the runway surface. As the airspeed reduced, the aircraft made a forceful impact with the main landing gear. Following this, the nose of the aircraft descended more rapidly than anticipated, resulting in the propeller striking the runway.
The impact caused damage to the propeller blades, the lower engine cowl, the nose landing gear, and the left wing. The engine also sustained shock-loading. Despite the force of the landing, the pilot and two passengers were able to vacate the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical evidence left by the impact. Examination of the underside of the left wing revealed creasing, which indicated that the aircraft had a higher-than-normal rate of descent at the moment of touchdown. Regarding the nose landing gear, the orientation of the drag brace showed it was in the extended and slightly over-centre position, confirming it was properly locked for landing. Furthermore, the nose gear piston exhibited a break at its top, suggesting the failure occurred immediately upon touchdown, prior to the piston moving into the cylinder under the weight of the aircraft.