Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Starduster Too SA300, registration G-BOBT, manufactured in 1983 and powered by a single Lycoming O-360-A1F6 piston engine. The pilot, aged 59, held a Private Pilot’s Licence with a total flying experience of 315 hours, of which 101 hours were on type. His flying activity in the preceding 90 days amounted to 1 hour, and the same in the last 28 days.
Flight and Approach
The pilot was returning to White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire, after a local flight. He reported an uneventful approach following a Piper PA-28, with speed and rate of descent considered normal. The wind was stated to be 7 to 10 knots from 120°, and the landing was conducted on Runway 11.
Landing and Bounces
The pilot executed a three-point touchdown. The aircraft subsequently bounced twice, with the second bounce described as more severe than the first. The pilot reported that the final landing “was very heavy and led to the collapse of the undercarriage.” In hindsight, he considered that he should have initiated a go-around after the first bounce.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller and undercarriage, and the engine was shock-loaded. The pilot was uninjured.
Source
This article is based on information from the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and published in the AAIB Bulletin 10/2019.