Accident Description
On 30 July 2011 at 1400 UTC, a Cessna 182, registration D-ERKX, was on a private sightseeing flight. The pilot reported good weather conditions and positioned the aircraft to land on grass Runway 25 at Lands End Airfield, Cornwall. The reported wind was 260° at 8 kt.
During the landing, the aircraft touched down on a small hump in the runway and bounced back into the air. The pilot was unable to prevent the nose from dropping, and the aircraft landed heavily on its nosewheel, which collapsed. The aircraft came to a halt on the centerline of the runway. The pilot and passenger, both uninjured, vacated the aircraft normally.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot assessed that his approach was slightly too fast, which, combined with the aircraft being light and an upslope in the touchdown area, contributed to a high bounce on initial touchdown. He considered that the accident could have been avoided if he had initiated a go-around, either from the fast approach or after the aircraft bounced.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was a Cessna 182, manufactured in 2005, with a single Lycoming T10-540-AK1A piston engine. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot's Licence, was 45 years old, and had 470 hours total flying experience, with 96 hours on type. His flying experience in the last 90 days was 20 hours, and in the last 28 days was 9 hours. There were two persons on board: one crew and one passenger.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the nose landing gear, propeller, and engine cowling.