What happened
On 15 May 2005, a Cessna 180K Skywagon, registration G-BETG, was conducting a private flight from Franklyn’s Field Airstrip near Wells. While approaching Dunkeswell in Devon, the aircraft performed an overhead join and entered the circuit to land on the asphalt Runway 05. The surface wind conditions were reported as light and variable.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a bounce. The pilot attempted to maintain control, but a second bounce occurred. Following this second impact, the propeller made contact with the runway surface. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose, resulting in a shock-load to the engine and damage to the cowling. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration and handling characteristics. The Cessna 180K Skywagon is a high-wing monoplane featuring tail wheel landing gear. The main landing gear struts on this model are manufactured from spring steel, a feature that can lead to more active ground handling compared to other Cessna variants. The investigation noted that the aircraft was equipped with large, low-pressure 'tundra' tyres, which may have contributed to these handling characteristics. Additionally, the aircraft featured an aftermarket wing tip modification designed to lower the stalling speed, though there was no evidence this modification negatively impacted ground stability.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a poorly judged landing.
- The pilot identified that the accident could have been avoided had a go-around been initiated following the initial bounce.