What happened
On 5 August 2018, a Thruster T600N, registration G-MZNX, was conducting a private flight to Longside Airfield. The pilot arrived at the airfield during a period of thermal activity, performing an overhead join to evaluate the wind conditions. After observing a wind speed of approximately 5 to 8 knots from 225°, the pilot prepared to land on Runway 2D.
During the downwind leg of the circuit, the aircraft encountered significant thermals. As the pilot progressed through the final approach, the aircraft was at an altitude of roughly 10 to 15 feet above the ground when it encountered a high rate of sink. This caused the aircraft to bounce upon contact with the runway. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around while the aircraft was still airborne. However, the aircraft subsequently descended into the grass adjacent to the runway. The impact resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and caused damage to the left wing tip and the fibreglass pod. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the approach, noting the environmental conditions and the pilot's actions during the encounter with thermal activity. The physical damage to the G-MZNX was assessed, specifically focusing on the nosewheel failure and the contact between the wing and the ground.