What happened
On 4 September 2003, a Cessna 182P Skylane, registration G-EEZS, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Peterborough to Blackpool. The weather conditions upon arrival at Blackpool were favorable, characterized by clear skies and light winds.
The approach to Runway 10 was initially reported as uneventful, with the pilot maintaining a normal airspeed and approach angle. However, during the flare phase immediately preceding touchdown, the aircraft experienced a sudden sink. The pilot described the resulting impact as being from a normal to heavy landing. While the aircraft continued its rollout along the runway without further incident, the pilot discovered that the rudder pedals had become immobile when attempting to steer the aircraft off the runway.
The investigation
Following the incident, an engineering examination was conducted to assess the extent of the damage. The inspection revealed that the nose gear leg collapsed and the engine had been shock loaded. Further damage was identified on the propeller and the right main landing gear tyre, as well as the engine mountings.
An engineer reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and found no evidence of any pre-existing structural weaknesses. The physical evidence of the damage was determined to be consistent with the forces generated by a heavy landing.