What happened
On 29 June 2002, a Beech A23-19, registration G-DJHB, was performing a private flight when it experienced a heavy landing at Nayland Airfield, Essex. The aircraft was on a long final approach to Runway 32, a grass strip characterized by a significant central upslope. During the descent, at approximately 600 feet above ground level, the pilot encountered turbulence. As the aircraft passed over trees situated near the runway threshold, the pilot observed the plane sinking.
Upon clearing the trees, the pilot reduced engine power and initiated a flare. During this maneuver, the aircraft dropped from an estimated height of 10 to 15 feet, resulting in a heavy impact with the ground. The force of the landing caused the nose landing gear to detach, and the propeller subsequently struck the airfield surface. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, though both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without difficulty.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the approach conditions at the unlicensed grass airfield and the sequence of the landing maneuver. The investigation established that the aircraft's descent rate increased significantly just before touchdown. The pilot noted that the landing gear failure and propeller damage were direct results of the impact force. The pilot also reflected that the incident might have been avoided had power been maintained for a longer duration to counteract the sink rate.