What happened
On 31 October 2005, a Cessna 182E, registration G-KWAX, was conducting a local visual flight rules (VFR) mission near Derby Airfield. The aircraft was returning to the airfield following a short period of flight. As the pilot attempted a standard approach to Runway 23, the low position of the sun caused significant glare, which dazzled the pilot during the flare phase of the landing.
This visual impairment resulted in a heavy landing. The impact was severe enough to cause the nose landing gear to fail. Following the touchdown, the aircraft slid a short distance on the lower forward section of the fuselage. Both the pilot and the single passenger were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot, focused on the circumstances of the landing and the resulting mechanical damage. The inspection revealed damage to the propeller, the cowling, and the nose landing gear. Additionally, the engine was found to have been shock loaded as a result of the impact.
Findings
- The primary factor in the heavy landing was the pilot being dazzled by the low sun during the flare.
- The impact caused the structural failure of the nose landing gear.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and cowling, and the engine experienced a shock load.