Incident Details
On 26 August 2003 at 1605 UTC, a Grob G115E Tutor (registration G-BYVE) was involved in an accident at Boscombe Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, during a training flight. The aircraft was operated by a student pilot on his second solo circuit sortie.
Sequence of Events
During the approach, the pilot flared too late, resulting in a heavy contact with the runway and a bounce. Suspecting possible damage, the student elected to continue the landing. The aircraft then entered a pilot-induced oscillation, bouncing an additional three or four times. During these oscillations, the nose gear was damaged. The aircraft eventually settled on the runway. The pilot applied the brakes, and the aircraft spun 180 degrees to the right before coming to rest on its main landing gear and nose.
Post-Accident Actions
After securing the aircraft, the pilot exited unaided over the wing. The airport fire service arrived quickly and attended the scene.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Grob G115E Tutor, was built in 2000 and powered by a single Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F piston engine. The pilot, a 23-year-old student, held a student pilot licence and had accumulated 13 hours of flying experience, all on type. No other persons were on board, and the pilot reported no injuries.
Damage
The accident resulted in the collapse of the nose gear, damage to the propeller and front fuselage, and shock loading of the engine.
Weather and Runway
Runway 05 was in use. The wind at the time, as recorded by the Met Office at Boscombe Down, was from 100 degrees at 6 knots. Visibility was good with no significant weather.
Pilot Background
According to the student's flying instructor, the student had experienced difficulty achieving consistent touchdowns during dual circuit consolidation sessions. He showed a tendency to flare early, resulting in a long float and inaccurate touchdown points. His first solo circuit had been satisfactory, though he was working to capacity, as evidenced by missed radio calls to ATC.