Accident Details
On 30 June 2017 at 1135 UTC, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration G-HOCK, was involved in an accident during landing at Sandown Airport on the Isle of Wight. The flight was conducted under private operations with only the pilot on board.
Sequence of Events
Just as the aircraft touched down, the pilot became distracted by something striking the windshield. In response, he momentarily pulled back on the control wheel. This action caused the aircraft to briefly become airborne again. It then landed hard and bounced several times. During the final bounce, the nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft unaided.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a 1967 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (serial number 28-4395), was powered by a single Lycoming O-360-A4A piston engine. The pilot, aged 73, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 666 flying hours, of which 584 were on the accident aircraft type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 10 hours, with 2 hours in the last 28 days.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, spinner, nosewheel, fuselage, and engine. The pilot sustained minor injuries.