What happened
On 25 July 2014, a Robin ATL, registration G-GGHZ, was engaged in a training flight at Beverley (Linley Hill) Airfield. The pilot had completed several solo circuits and had landed to collect an examiner for a biennial proficiency check. Following some general handling maneuvers in the vicinity, the pilot returned to the airfield to perform a practice forced landing, which was followed by a go-around.
During the attempt at a touch-and-go landing on the grass Runway 12, the aircraft was on a standard approach at 60 kt with full flaps. As the pilot initiated the flare, the rate of descent failed to decrease as expected. This resulted in a heavy touchdown, causing the aircraft to bounce and pitch forward. The subsequent impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, leading the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft slid approximately 50 yards along the runway before stopping. There were no injuries to the crew, and no fire was reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the pilot's decision-making. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, fuselage, wings, and both the main and nose landing gear. The pilot, who was experienced with the type, noted that the aircraft's behavior during the flare was unexpected.
Findings
- The primary cause of the heavy landing was the pilot's failure to account for the increased weight of the examiner on board the aircraft.
- Potential contributing factors included pilot fatigue following a long day of flying.