What happened
On 1 November 2003, a Gardan GY80-180, registration G-BYME, was conducting a private flight near Bagby Airfield, North Yorkshire. Prior to the flight, which was intended to be the pilot's first solo mission on this specific aircraft type, a visual inspection was performed. While the pilot confirmed that the overhead door lock was in the secured position, the door itself had not been fully closed.
During the climb, at an altitude of approximately 600 feet, the unsecured door swung open. Unable to reseat the door while in flight, the pilot initiated an immediate approach to the reciprocal runway. In the effort to land quickly, the aircraft descended below the preferred approach path, necessitating a significant increase in power to prevent an undershoot. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. Despite an attempt to execute a go-around, the aircraft struck the ground a second time, specifically impacting on the nosewheel.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the landing instability and the mechanical failure of the landing gear component. Investigators examined the pilot's pre-flight procedures and the state of the aircraft's overhead door. It was established that the pilot had verified the lock mechanism but had failed to ensure the door was flush and fully shut.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure to ensure the overhead door was fully closed prior to departure.
- The sudden opening of the door at 600 feet necessitated an emergency landing.
- The landing instability, characterized by a bounce and a subsequent nosewheel impact, resulted in a broken nose wheel and damage to the propeller.