Synopsis
During the landing flare, the aircraft drifted uncorrected towards the edge of the strip. At touchdown, the main wheels dug into soft ground, causing the nose gear to touch down heavily.
History of the Flight
Runway 03 was in use at Home Farm Strip, Ebrington, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. The wind was from 050° at 7 kt. Runway 03 is a grass runway cambered along its centreline. Due to recent heavy rain, the ground on the lower edges was softer than the centre.
After two hours of instructional flying, the student pilot was briefed for a solo circuit. The takeoff, circuit and approach were uneventful. During the landing flare, the left wing dropped and the aircraft drifted, uncorrected, towards the left hand edge of the strip. The main wheels touched down in the softer ground and dug in, causing the nose gear to touchdown heavily, resulting in damage to the nose gear and engine mounts. The pilot shut down and vacated the aircraft uninjured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Flight Design CTSW, G-CEKD, with one Rotax 912ULS piston engine, year of manufacture 2007. The pilot held a Student Pilot licence, aged 62, with 223 hours total flying experience, including 104 on type. Last 90 days: 16 hours; last 28 days: 8 hours. No passengers were on board.
Instructor's Comments
The instructor commented that, in hindsight, he feels he should not have sent the student solo as the crosswind and condition of the runway were unsuitable.