What happened
On 13 February 2008, a Europa XS, registration G-BYFG, was performing circuit practice at Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire. The pilot, who was in the process of converting from a Cessna 152 to this tricycle gear aircraft, was conducting his second solo flight in the type.
During the initial approach, the aircraft maintained a steady descent at approximately 70 kt IAS with 30 degrees of flaps. As the pilot flared for touchdown, he reduced the throttle setting. This reduction in power led to an excessive sink rate. In an attempt to compensate, the pilot applied significant back pressure on the control column. While this slowed the descent, it resulted in a very high nose attitude. Upon touchdown on the main wheels, the aircraft bounced back into the air.
As the pilot attempted to manage the bounce, he applied power, which further increased the nose-high attitude. The pilot then pushed the control column forward to correct the pitch, but this movement was excessive. Consequently, the nosewheel struck the runway and detached from the aircraft. Although the pilot suspected the gear had been lost, he continued the circuit to complete the landing. The aircraft eventually touched down on the main wheels at approximately 60 kt. The impact caused damage to the nose leg, the propeller, and the engine, as well as minor damage to the fibreglass structure.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's recent training history and the handling characteristics of the aircraft. It was noted that the pilot had recently completed dual instruction and was flying the aircraft solo for only the second time. The investigation also considered the differences in handling between the pilot's previous experience in a Cessna 152 and the more responsive Europa XS. The investigation confirmed that while the nosewheel had detached, there was no evidence of propeller ground contact during the initial impact.
Findings
- The pilot over-controlled the elevator during the landing phase.
- A significant reduction in throttle during the flare caused an increased sink rate.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the pitch via forward stick resulted in the nosewheel striking the ground.
- The aircraft's handling was more sensitive than the pilot's previous training aircraft, particularly without the weight of an instructor on board.
- Potential fatigue from intensive recent dual instruction was noted.