Aircraft Information
- Aircraft type: EV-97 TeamEurostar UK Eurostar
- Registration: G-CEHL
- Year of manufacture: 2006
- Engine: One Rotax 912-UL piston engine
- Serial number: 2928
Flight Details
- Date and time: 22 September 2013 at 1603 UTC
- Location: Gloucestershire Airport, Gloucestershire
- Type of flight: Training (qualifying cross-country flight)
- Occupants: Crew of 1 (student pilot), no passengers
Pilot Information
- Age: 59 years
- Licence: Student pilot
- Total flying experience: 61 hours (39 hours on type)
- Flying in last 90 days: 7 hours; last 28 days: 3 hours
Weather Conditions
- Good weather
- Runway in use: 27
- Surface wind: South-westerly at 5 kt or less
Accident Sequence
The chief flying instructor, who witnessed the event, noted that the approach was normal until the round-out phase (flare). Instead of raising the nose to the touchdown attitude, the aircraft remained slightly nose-down. The initial touchdown occurred on the nose landing gear. This was followed by three bounces, each larger than the previous. On the third bounce, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft came to a stop. The pilot was unhurt and vacated the aircraft without difficulty.
Damage
Damage was sustained to the propeller, nosewheel, and firewall.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he misjudged his proximity to the ground and that surprise and some confusion prevented him from regaining control of the situation and executing a go-around.
Information Source
This report is based on an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and observations by the chief flying instructor, as documented in AAIB Bulletin 2/2014.