Incident Overview
On 12 November 2000 at 1600 UTC, a Cessna 182F (registration G-ASLH) operated by a private pilot with one passenger was landing at Parham Airfield, Suffolk. The aircraft had just returned from Stapleford aerodrome.
Approach and Landing
The pilot planned to land on Runway 24, a 650-metre concrete surface described as damp in patches. The surface wind was light at 4–5 knots aligned with the runway. To maximize runway length, the pilot aimed to touch down on the threshold. During the downwind leg of a left-hand circuit, he completed pre-landing checks and selected two of the four available flap stages. The approach was stabilised at approximately 60 knots on runway heading. However, a low sun shining down the runway created significant glare, impairing forward vision.
The pilot flared at a normal height but touched down in the undershoot. The nose landing gear struck a low ridge where the old rough surface met the usable concrete.
Damage and Aftermath
The impact burst the nose landing gear tyre and caused the oleo to collapse rearward, allowing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft came to a halt after about 30 metres. The pilot performed emergency shutdown procedures, and both occupants exited through the normal side doors without injury.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot concluded that the very low sun had affected his ability to see the runway and accurately judge his landing spot. He noted that after recognising the issue, he should have either initiated a go-around from the approach or applied more power to prevent landing short.