What happened
On 29 June 2010, an EV-97 TeamEurostar UK, registration G-CEAM, was performing a private flight when it approached grass Runway 23 at Sywell Airport, Northamptonshire. During the approach, the pilot utilized two stages of flap and trimmed the aircraft for 65 mph, a speed slightly above standard to account for a 10 kt crosswind from 270º. After passing the threshold, the pilot closed the throttle and used the rudder to manage the drift angle. While the initial contact with the runway was smooth and on the mainwheels, the aircraft subsequently bounced into the air. This bounce led to a secondary impact where the aircraft landed on its nosewheel.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination of the event established that the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller tips, the nose landing gear leg, and the bulkhead to which the gear is attached. The pilot reflected that the touchdown speed had been too high for the conditions. Furthermore, the pilot noted that following the initial bounce, the nose should have been held up or a go-around should have been initiated to prevent the nosewheel impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the impact of the nosewheel on the runway surface following an uncontrolled bounce.
- The pilot's approach speed was higher than normal for the aircraft type to compensate for crosswind components.
- There were no injuries to the pilot and no passengers were on board during the flight.