What happened
On 11 June 2012, a Bolkow BO 209-160FV Monsun, registration G-EFJD, was conducting a private flight at Perranporth Airfield in Cornwall. The pilot intended to perform a touch-and-go maneuver on Runway 05. Following a curved approach from the downwind position, the aircraft made contact with the runway on its main wheels.
As the pilot attempted to lower the nose landing gear onto the runway surface, the gear failed. This collapse caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in the aircraft sliding a short distance along the runway. The aircraft remained on the runway surface, and the pilot was able to safely exit the aircraft along with the passenger. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical failure of the gear. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, the propeller, the engine, and the cowling. Weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported as good, with a surface wind of 15 knots originating from 330°.