The Aircraft
The accident aircraft was a Flight Design CTSW, registration G-CGHE, built in 2009. It was powered by a single Rotax 912ULS piston engine.
The Pilot
The pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and was 48 years old. He had accumulated 78 flying hours, with 33 hours on the type. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he had flown 3 hours, and none in the last 28 days.
The Accident
The flight was a private local flight. The aircraft approached the airfield at Wyken Road Private Strip in Suffolk under light wind conditions. During landing, the aircraft touched down and bounced on its main wheels. A second, heavier impact followed, causing significant damage including the collapse of the nose landing gear. The aircraft then rolled onto its left and right wings before coming to rest.
The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, was uninjured.
Pilot's Account
The pilot later commented that he believed the bounce at touchdown resulted from flaring too late. After becoming airborne again, he attempted to reduce the severity of the second impact by pitching the nose up. He considered that this action led to a stall and the subsequent heavy landing. In hindsight, he noted that he should have applied full power and performed a go-around after the initial bounce.