Summary
On 7 August 2006, at 1330 hours UTC, a Cessna R172K Hawk XP, registered G-BPCI, was involved in an accident during landing at Plockton Airfield, Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland. The aircraft was on a private flight from Cumbernauld with one pilot and two passengers on board. No injuries were sustained by the crew or passengers. The aircraft suffered a fracture to the left nosewheel hub, substantial damage to the engine bulkhead, distortion to the fuselage side panels, and a strike on one propeller blade tip.
History of the Flight
The pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence with 446 hours total flying experience (79 hours on type), reported an uneventful flight from Cumbernauld to Plockton. The approach was flown to Runway 20. Due to the short runway length, the pilot selected full flap and maintained correct height and airspeed throughout the approach. Weather conditions were good with a south-westerly wind of less than 5 knots.
The pilot stated that the aircraft touched down on its main wheels first. However, when the nosewheel contacted the runway, the aircraft 'reacted badly'. Both passengers reported hearing a noise at the moment of nosewheel touchdown. The pilot brought the aircraft to a halt on the runway and shut down the engine.
Aircraft Inspection
Post-accident inspection revealed that part of the left side of the nosewheel hub had fractured, causing the tyre to deflate. Further examination found substantial damage to the engine bulkhead and distortion to the fuselage side panels, consistent with a heavy impact on the nosewheel. One propeller blade tip showed evidence of having struck the ground.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the crew of one and the two passengers. The nature of damage included fracture to the left nosewheel hub, substantial damage to the engine bulkhead, distortion to the fuselage side panels, and a strike on one propeller blade tip.