Introduction
On 13 October 2010 at 1630 hours UTC, an EV-97 TeamEurostar UK Eurostar (registration G-CFRT) was involved in an accident during landing at Clench Common Airfield, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 2008, was powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The flight was private and carried one pilot and one passenger.
Flight and Pilot Details
The pilot was 50 years old and held a National Private Pilot’s Licence. His total flying experience was 158 hours, of which 12 hours were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 13 hours, and in the last 28 days, 6 hours.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft approached Runway 08 under good weather conditions with an easterly wind of 8 knots. The pilot described the touchdown as slightly fast, causing the aircraft to bounce and become airborne again. He attempted to hold the aircraft off to allow it to settle onto the main landing gear. However, the nose pitched down before the aircraft contacted the ground, resulting in the nose landing gear collapsing. The aircraft came to rest on the runway.
Damage and Occupant Status
Damage was sustained to the nosewheel, propeller, cowling, and radiator. Both the pilot and passenger were uninjured and exited the aircraft through the normal exit.
Probable Cause
The pilot considered that the accident was caused by his failure to apply full power to initiate a go-around after the bounce.