What happened
On 10 April 2011, an Aquila AT01, registration G-GAEA, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Blackpool Airport. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot who was performing their first solo landing after completing six previous dual circuits.
During the landing attempt on Runway 10, the instructor accompanying the flight observed that the aircraft's approach was too fast. As the aircraft reached the runway, the nose was seen to lower and then raise again, causing the aircraft to bounce on its main wheels. Following this bounce, the student pilot decided to execute a go-around. However, during the maneuver, the nosewheel and propeller made contact with the ground. The aircraft was brought to a halt on the runway, and the engine was shut down. No injuries were reported for the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the nose landing gear.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and examined the circumstances of the landing. The weather conditions at the time were noted as CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) with a wind of 140 degrees at 9 knots. The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing attempt and the subsequent contact with the runway surface.