Incident Overview
On 23 June 2005, a private Cessna 182Q (registration G-WMLT) operated by the pilot-owner was landing at a grass strip adjacent to his home near Barton, Lancashire. The pilot was the sole occupant and was not injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the nose wheel was bent under.
Flight Details
The aircraft departed Blackpool and flew to the pilot's private strip at Yew Tree Lodge, White Horse Lane, Barton. The strip was approximately 320 metres long, oriented 200/020°, with a 2° up-slope in the into-wind direction. The grass had been recently mown and was short and dry. The wind was reported as 230° at 11 knots. The pilot had inspected the strip the previous evening but did not notice a deep rut near the unmarked threshold, possibly because the grass was even after mowing.
Landing Sequence
During the landing, the aircraft touched down normally but then entered the rut and became airborne again. The pilot applied power and relanded; the second touchdown was normal. The nose wheel was held off initially and no braking was used, but during the rollout the nose landing gear collapsed and the aircraft came to rest after approximately 16 metres.
Pilot Information
The 49-year-old commander held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 910 total flying hours, with 770 on type. His last 90 days included 19 hours, and the last 28 days 5 hours.
Aftermath
The pilot noted that the threshold would be marked at the start of the rolled and inspected strip to prevent similar occurrences.