What happened
On 19 June 2002, a DV20 Katana, registration G-BWFD, was performing a private flight at Retford (Gamston) Airport in Nottinghamshire. During the approach to Runway 21, which featured a dry asphalt surface, the pilot noted that the aircraft's ground speed appeared higher than usual, despite the indicated airspeed being appropriate for the approach. The wind conditions were recorded at 270 degrees at 10 knots.
As the aircraft reached the runway, it experienced a prolonged float before making contact with the surface. This initial touchdown was followed by a gentle bounce. While the pilot maintained a neutral or slightly aft stick position, the aircraft settled back onto the runway with a significant nose dip. This movement triggered a porpoising motion that continued until the nose landing gear sheared off from the airframe.
Following the structural failure, the aircraft decelerated quickly as it slid along the runway on its nose, eventually coming to a stop just off the edge of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft following the accident to determine the cause of the structural failure. The post-accident inspection revealed substantial damage to the engine, the wing, and the nose landing gear. Specifically, the inspection established that the left wing had sustained impact damage caused by the detached nose gear assembly.