Accident Details
The aircraft, a Vans RV-7A, registration G-ELVN, was engaged in a private flight on 21 May 2019. The pilot, the sole occupant, was landing on grass Runway 24 at Drayton St Leonard Airfield, Oxfordshire.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft descended to approximately 20 ft above ground level (agl), it struck a medium-sized bird. The pilot, surprised by the impact, momentarily pitched the nose up and banked left before correcting the flightpath back toward the runway centerline. With about 300 m of runway remaining, the pilot touched down; the aircraft bounced and became airborne again. The pilot elected to continue the landing rather than execute a go-around, citing concern that the bird strike might have caused damage.
Damage and Outcome
The subsequent touchdown was heavy on the nose landing gear, which collapsed. The propeller was damaged, and the engine was shock-loaded. The aircraft came to a stop, and the pilot exited the cockpit without assistance. No injuries were reported.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Vans RV-7A (serial LAA 323-14930) was manufactured in 2015 and powered by a single Lycoming YIO-360-M1B piston engine. The pilot, aged 59, held a Private Pilot’s Licence with 1,965 total flying hours, including 44 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, the pilot had flown 40 hours; in the last 28 days, 21 hours.