What happened
On 26 August 2003, a Grob G115E Tutor, registration G-BYVE, was involved in an accident during a solo training circuit at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot with 13 hours of experience on the type. During the approach to runway 05, the pilot performed a late flare, resulting in a heavy touchdown and an initial bounce.
Following the initial impact, the pilot suspected potential damage to the aircraft but proceeded with the landing. This led to a pilot-induced oscillation, causing the aircraft to bounce an additional three or four times. During these subsequent impacts, the nose landing gear sustained damage. As the aircraft finally settled on the runway, the pilot applied the brakes, causing the aircraft to spin 180 degrees to the right. The aircraft eventually came to rest on its main landing gear and the nose. The pilot exited the aircraft over the wing without assistance, and the airport fire service responded to the scene.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence and the pilot's recent training history. Records indicated that the student had previously struggled with consistent touchdowns during dual instruction, often flaring too early and resulting in long floats. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were favorable, with good visibility and light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a late flare during the landing approach, which led to a heavy touchdown.
- The aircraft experienced a series of bounces that resulted in the collapse of the nose gear.
- The student pilot had demonstrated a pattern of inconsistent touchdown points during recent training sessions.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, front fuselage, and nose gear, and the engine suffered a shock load.