What happened
On 4 June 2010, a student pilot was conducting solo training maneuvers at Sywell Airport, Northamptonshire. Following a successful dual instructional flight and a briefing for solo operations, the pilot prepared for circuits. After refueling the EV-97 TeamEurostar UK, registration G-CCTI, the aircraft departed under favorable weather conditions.
During the first touch-and-go maneuver, the aircraft experienced three consecutive bounces. On the second and third instances, the nosewheel made contact with the ground. The third bounce was the most significant, causing the aircraft to sustain damage to the nose leg, engine mount, firewall, and the floor area surrounding the rudder pedals. The pilot subsequently executed a go-around. Following a request from the instructor via the air traffic controller, the pilot returned to the airfield to land. The damage was not identified until the aircraft had returned to the apron.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing attempts and the physical impact on the airframe. The pilot, who was wearing a full safety harness, remained uninjured during the event.
Findings
- The pilot attributed the initial bounce to an insufficient pitch-up attitude during the flare phase of the landing.
- The aircraft sustained structural damage to the nose gear assembly and internal components including the firewall and engine mount.