History of the Flight
The pilot was returning to RAF Henlow to refuel and performed a straight-in approach to Runway 27R, a grass surface measuring 762 metres by 23 metres, in light wind conditions. The approach appeared high, so the pilot applied 30° flap, and the approach seemed to return to his usual angle. He closed the throttle and recalled a final speed check over the threshold of 70 mph, compared to his normal 65 to 70 mph. His recollection was that the first touchdown resulted in a bounce, and he pulled back on the control column to allow the aircraft to settle through a further bounce. He then heard the sound of the nose leg fracturing as the nose wheel touched the ground. The nose fell to the ground and the aircraft came rapidly to a halt. The pilot was able to leave the aircraft safely, having incurred only superficial injury.
Eyewitness Observations
A number of experienced pilots observed the accident. One, an instructor who had observed the landing from close to the runway, provided a written statement. He commented that the first stage of the approach had appeared normal but, during the final stage, it became clear that the aircraft was higher and faster than other light aircraft observed that day. In the final 30 to 40 feet height reduction he observed the aircraft's nose lowered further, the rate of descent appeared to become excessive, and the aircraft bounced heavily on its main landing gear. The aircraft then began a 'porpoise' oscillation between the nose and main landing gears, the nose leg snapped, and the aircraft came to a halt.
Damage
The nose leg failed, the propeller bent, and the engine was shock-loaded. There was buckling of the engine firewall, cockpit floor, and lower fuselage skin.