Incident Overview
On 4 September 2003, a Cessna 182P Skylane, registration G-EEZS, was involved in a landing incident at Blackpool, Lancashire. The private flight had originated from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Weather conditions at Blackpool were described as fine, with light winds and clear skies.
Flight and Landing
The pilot reported an uneventful approach to Runway 10, with normal airspeed and angle of approach. During the flare, the aircraft seemed to sink and then steady just before touchdown. The pilot judged the landing as "normal to heavy." The rollout was proceeding normally until the pilot attempted to steer off the runway, at which point he found the rudder pedals immovable.
Post-Landing Inspection
Upon vacating the aircraft, the pilot and his passenger—who also held a pilot license—were surprised by the extent of the damage. An engineering examination revealed damage to the right main landing gear tyre, propeller, nose landing gear, and engine mountings. The engineer found no pre-existing weaknesses and considered the damage consistent with a heavy landing.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft, a 1972-model Cessna 182P Skylane, was powered by a single Continental O-470-R piston engine. The pilot, aged 40, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 83 total flying hours, with 24 on type. His recent flying experience included 6 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days.
Injuries and Damage
There were no injuries to the single crew member or the single passenger. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear leg, which collapsed, and the engine was shock-loaded.