Accident Summary
On 15 May 2005 at 1350 UTC, a Cessna 180K Skywagon (registration G-BETG) sustained damage during a landing at Dunkeswell, Devon. The aircraft had completed a private flight from Franklyn's Field Airstrip near Wells. During the approach to Runway 05, the pilot executed an overhead join and circuit. The surface wind was light and variable.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. Despite the pilot's attempts to regain control, it bounced a second time. After the second bounce, the propeller struck the runway, causing the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose. The engine was shock-loaded, and the cowling sustained minor damage. The propeller was damaged. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna 180K Skywagon is a four-seat, high-wing monoplane with tail wheel landing gear. It was manufactured in 1977 and powered by a single Continental Motors O-470-U piston engine. The main landing gear struts are constructed from spring steel, which can result in livelier ground handling compared to other Cessna types. The accident aircraft was fitted with large, low-pressure 'tundra' tyres, which may have exacerbated this characteristic. Additionally, an aftermarket wing tip modification intended to reduce stalling speed was installed, but it is not reported to have a detrimental effect on ground handling.
Pilot Experience
The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 54 years old. His total flying experience was 339 hours, of which 27 were on the accident aircraft type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 6 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Pilot Comments
In the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot, he considered that the accident was the result of a poorly judged landing and could have been avoided had he executed a go-around after the first bounce.