What happened
On 22 June 2014, a Zenair CH 701 STOL, registration G-FAMH, was conducting a private flight when it experienced a heavy landing at London Colney Airfield in Hertfordshire. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, reported that the approach initially felt normal. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft landed with significant force. During the subsequent ground roll, the nosewheel collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to an abrupt halt.
Following the stoppage, the pilot, who sustained no injuries, safely shut down the engine and exited the aircraft. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear attachment of the left wing had failed. The pilot noted that the sudden deceleration following the nosewheel collapse likely contributed to this structural failure.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the resulting damage to the aircraft. The investigation focused on the sequence of events from the approach to the structural failure of the wing attachment. The pilot provided information regarding the atmospheric conditions and his perception of the flight parameters during the final stages of the landing.
Findings
- The landing was characterized by a heavy impact with the runway.
- The pilot attributed the heavy landing to a misjudgment of the flare height, which occurred during a period of unusually light wind conditions.
- The collapse of the nosewheel led to a rapid deceleration of the aircraft.
- The failure of the left wing rear attachment was likely caused by the intense forces generated during this sudden stop.