Accident Narrative
On 15 March 2012 at 12:45 UTC, a Piper PA-28-181 aircraft was landing on Runway 19 at Grimbergen Airfield (EBGB), Belgium. The pilot was returning from a cross-country flight that included touch-and-goes and full-stop landings at two other airfields. During the final approach, the aircraft speed was 60 knots, and the pilot described the attitude as 'flat.' After the initial touchdown, the airplane bounced twice. On the second bounce, the pilot applied full engine power, but the engine did not respond immediately. The aircraft then touched down nose wheel first. The nose landing gear broke upon impact, and the propeller ploughed into the ground. The pilot climbed out without injury.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-181, serial number 28-7690296, powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4M engine producing 180 hp. It was registered in Belgium with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The pilot, aged 40, held a Private Pilot Licence issued 10 February 2011 and a SEP (land) rating. Total flight experience was 85 hours and 8 minutes, with 35 hours and 17 minutes as pilot-in-command, of which 7 hours and 39 minutes were on the Piper PA-28; the remainder was on a Cessna 152.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the temperature was 17°C, wind was from 200° at 2 knots, visibility was more than 10 km, and QNH was 1026 hPa.
Damage
The nose gear leg broke, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The engine mount, which also supports the nose landing gear, was bent, and the propeller was damaged. The engine cowling was damaged, and the engine exhaust system was crushed. No structural damage to the airframe was observed. A shock load inspection of the engine was required per the manufacturer's instructions.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident, as stated in the investigation report, is the pilot's inability to adequately flare the airplane at touchdown, followed by inappropriate elevator inputs to control the airplane's rebounds, and a late decision to reject the landing. The pilot's low experience, particularly on the Piper PA-28, was considered a contributing factor.