What happened
On 29 August 2018, a Sportstar Max, registration G-TMAX, was returning to Wycombe Air Park following a local general handling flight. The aircraft was being operated as a private flight by a single pilot. During the approach to Runway 24, the wind was recorded as varying between 330° and 340° at 10 knots, resulting in a right crosswind and a slight tailwind component.
While the initial approach and touchdown were described as unremarkable, the aircraft failed to settle onto the runway as anticipated. In an attempt to force the aircraft down, the pilot induced oscillations in the aircraft's pitch. As the landing roll continued, the aircraft ballooned approximately two-thirds of the way down the runway, resulting in a firm landing on the nosewheel. There were no injuries to the pilot. Following the incident, the aircraft was able to taxi to its parking position, but a subsequent inspection revealed damage to the propeller, cowling, nosewheel, and firewall.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the pilot's handling of the aircraft. The analysis focused on the environmental conditions, specifically the lack of headwind, and the pilot's recent flying experience. The pilot noted that he had only completed 36 minutes of flight time in the preceding 90 days.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a high groundspeed due to the lack of a headwind component, which prevented the aircraft from settling as expected after touchdown.
- The pilot's attempt to force the aircraft to settle caused pitch oscillations that contributed to the subsequent ballooning and nosewheel impact.
- The pilot's lack of flying recency was identified as a contributing factor to the occurrence.