What happened
On 3 February 2012, an Avions Pierre Robin R2100A, registration G-BGBA, was conducting a private flight at Gloucestershire Airport. During the downwind leg of the right-hand circuit for Runway 27, air traffic control instructed the pilot to perform an orbit to maintain separation from an aircraft on an instrument approach.
As the aircraft prepared to commence its approach, it was noted to be at an excessive height. Following a further orbit, the aircraft established on finals but remained too high and fast. In an attempt to lose altitude, the pilot performed a weaving maneuver. The aircraft subsequently touched down with a nose-low attitude, leading to a series of bounces. This sequence caused the nose undercarriage to strike the runway, resulting in a bent undercarriage pivot arm. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was informed by the pilot's accident report and an occurrence report from air traffic control. A flying instructor, who had observed the flight, provided testimony regarding the flight characteristics. The instructor noted that while surface winds were light and westerly, winds above 400 feet were south-easterly at 7 to 10 knots, creating a tailwind component that would have complicated the correction of a high approach. The instructor also observed a steep, fast approach followed by a flat flare and a nose-low touchdown.
Findings
- The aircraft was on an unstable approach characterized by excessive speed and altitude.
- The pilot attempted to correct the height through weaving rather than executing a go-around.
- The continuation of an unstable approach led to the nose-low touchdown and subsequent bounces that damaged the undercarriage.