What happened
On 26 July 2006, a GROB G115, registration G-BOPT, was engaged in a training flight at Barton Aerodrome, Manchester. The flight was part of a flight instructor course, with the instructor converting a student pilot onto the aircraft type. After completing the initial portion of the flight without incident, the student pilot returned to the airfield to perform circuit training.
During the approach to Runway 20L, the student pilot maintained a high approach. While the pilot attempted to correct the descent, the aircraft made a heavy impact with the runway. This initial contact resulted in several bounces. During the subsequent oscillations, the aircraft yawed and rolled to the left. The instructor took control of the aircraft, but during this period, the nosewheel collapsed and the propeller made contact with the ground. The aircraft eventually came to a stop to the left of the runway. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the technique employed by the student pilot. The instructor noted that the student had rounded out too high, which caused the aircraft to sink and strike the runway with significant force. The investigation also considered the environmental factors and training context, noting the instructor's observation regarding landing techniques used on different runway types.