What happened
On 4 June 2001, a CEA DR315, registration G-AXDK, was conducting a private flight from Kemble to Shobund Aerodrome. The flight conditions were reported as having excellent visibility and weather. Upon arrival at Shobdon, the pilot commenced a left-hand circuit to land on Runway 27, noting a light crosswind of approximately 10 knots.
During the landing sequence, the pilot flared the aircraft just past the runway designator numbers and reduced the throttle. The aircraft initially touched down firmly on the main landing gear and continued along the runway for several yards before lifting into a nose-up attitude at a height of roughly ten feet. As the stall warning activated, the pilot moved the control column forward, which silenced the warning. However, the aircraft then touched down heavily in a flat attitude before lifting again and settling in a slightly nose-down position. While the pilot was turning right to vacate the runway, the nose dropped, causing the propeller to strike the runway surface while the aircraft was moving at a fast walking speed.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the nose landing gear, which collapsed during the event.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the pilot's actions during the flare and subsequent bounces. The pilot noted that the fuel was switched to the OFF position and electrical services were isolated following the incident. The airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Service attended the scene immediately after the aircraft came to a stop.