What happened
On 15 June 2015, a Zenair CH 601HD Zodiac, registration G-OANN, was conducting a private flight from Headcorn to Manchester (Barton) City Airport. During the approach to runway 27L, air traffic control notified the pilot of a slight tailwind component. The aircraft touched down roughly midway along the runway at an airspeed of approximately 45 kt, with an estimated groundspeed of 50 kt.
As the aircraft continued along the runway, the pilot encountered a bumpy surface, which delayed the deceleration process. As the aircraft reached the far end of the runway at a speed between 10 and 15 kt, the bungee in the nose landing gear suspension failed. This structural failure caused the nose of the aircraft to drop abruptly, leading the propeller to strike the ground. The impact resulted in one propeller blade breaking off. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and the aircraft eventually came to a stop, after which airfield personnel assisted in clearing the runway.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing roll and the mechanical failure of the nose gear. The pilot noted that the combination of a late touchdown, the presence of a tailwind, and the uneven runway surface contributed to the conditions leading to the failure.