Incident Overview
On 4 August 2004 at 1535 UTC, a Cessna 177RG Cardinal, registration N53103, was involved in an accident during landing at Sandown Airport on the Isle of Wight. The aircraft was manufactured in 1978 and powered by a single IO-360-A1B6D piston engine. The flight was conducted under private operation with one pilot and one passenger on board. Neither occupant reported any injuries.
Sequence of Events
The pilot made an approach to Runway 23. After initial touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice. A witness in the control tower observed the bounces, noting that their amplitude increased, with the second bounce estimated to be about five feet high. The pilot then lowered the nose in an attempt to force the aircraft onto the ground. The nose wheel struck the ground with sufficient force to cause the nose landing gear to collapse.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, lower engine cowl, engine mounting frame, and nosewheel doors.
Pilot Experience
The pilot, aged 51, held a Private Pilot's Licence with a total flying experience of 366 hours, including 6 hours on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 6 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.