What happened
On 9 April 2017, a Socata TB9 Tampode, registration G-JUFS, was conducting a private flight from Popham Airfield. The weather conditions at the time of the incident were characterized by good visibility and light, variable winds.
As the pilot approached Runway 25 at Thruxton Airfield, the aircraft entered the landing flare. During this phase, the aircraft bounced off the runway surface. The pilot subsequently moved the control column forward, an action he later identified as potentially incorrect. This maneuver led to a second bounce before the aircraft eventually came to a halt near the end of the runway.
As a result of the contact between the propeller blades and the runway, the propeller sustained damage. There was also suspicion that the engine may have been subjected to shock-loading during the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing maneuvers and the physical impact of the aircraft with the runway. Investigators examined the pilot's inputs during the bounce sequence and the resulting mechanical damage to the Socata TB9 Tampico.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced an initial bounce during the landing flare.
- The pilot's decision to move the control column forward following the first bounce contributed to a second bounce.
- The pilot failed to initiate a go-around after the initial bounce occurred.
- The propeller blades struck the runway surface, causing damage and potential shock-loading to the engine.
- There were no injuries to the pilot during the incident.