Aircraft and Pilot Information
The accident involved a Europa XS, registration G-BYFG, powered by a single Jabiru 3300A piston engine. The aircraft was manufactured in 2003. The pilot, aged 57, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had 110 hours total flying experience, with only 3 hours on type. His recent flying included 7 hours in the last 90 days and 4 hours in the last 28 days.
History of the Flight
The pilot was a syndicate member who owned the aircraft. He had trained on Cessna 152s and was converting to the Europa, which was fitted with tricycle landing gear. He completed about 1 hour 50 minutes dual instruction, including approximately 16 landings, and after a successful solo circuit, was pronounced proficient to fly the aircraft.
On the day of the accident, after a lunch break, the aircraft was refuelled and the pilot decided to practice further circuits. The first approach was flown at just under 70 kt IAS with 30° flap and was steady. During the flare, the pilot reduced the throttle, causing an excessive sink rate. He attempted to correct with aft control column input, which decreased the rate of descent but resulted in a very nose-high attitude. The aircraft touched down on the mainwheels and bounced back into the air. Applying power increased the nose-high attitude. The pilot then pushed the control column forward, in his own admission too much, and the nosewheel struck the ground. He opened the throttle for a go-around, and the aircraft became airborne, but he suspected the nosewheel had detached, though there was no indication of propeller contact. He completed the circuit after confirmation of nosewheel detachment.
Landing and Aftermath
The pilot executed a second landing. After a long, steady final descent, the aircraft touched down on the mainwheels at about 60 kt. The pilot held the nose high as long as possible before it dropped and the propeller contacted the runway. Following shutdown, the pilot evacuated normally without injury. There was no fire or release of fuel or oil. Damage included a bent nose leg, lost wheel, propeller damage, engine shock-loading, and minor fibreglass damage.
Pilot's Analysis
The pilot provided a thorough analysis of factors he considered led to the accident. Without the instructor's weight, the aircraft was 'livelier' than expected, requiring gentler control adjustments. The Europa was also much livelier than the Cessna 152 on which his previous experience was gained, mostly with two occupants. He had reduced the throttle too much during the flare, causing a marked sink rate he tried to counter with aft stick. The combination of high nose attitude and excess speed due to the early touchdown launched the aircraft back into the air. Rapid power application pitched the nose further upward, and he instinctively pushed forward excessively, causing the nosewheel strike. He noted he was probably fatigued by the intensive preceding dual instruction. He described the second landing as 'good' and commented that the preceding circuit gave him time to prepare for landing without a nosewheel.