Synopsis
On 21 August 2002, at 1445 UTC, a Grob G115E Tutor (registration G-BYWV) was involved in an accident during a training flight at RAF Cosford, West Midlands. The aircraft, manufactured in 2001, was powered by a single Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F piston engine. The flight was conducted as part of a currency-check for the handling pilot, who had accumulated 35 hours on type and 4,546 hours total. The commander, a Royal Air Force officer on duty, held 5,687 hours of flying experience, including 272 hours on the Tutor. The accident resulted in damage to the nose gear, engine bulkhead and truss, propeller, and engine, but no injuries were reported.
Flight Details
The handling pilot was undergoing a 30-day currency-check flight with the commander. The handling pilot's last flight in a Grob G115 Tutor had been 38 days prior to the accident. The flight involved multiple landings, with the third being a glide approach to Runway 06. The wind was reported from 350° at 10 knots. The approach was flown at 70 KIAS with the flaps in the 'LAND' position.
Landing Sequence
During the landing, the aircraft touched down fast in a three-point attitude, meaning all three wheels contacted the runway simultaneously. The aircraft then bounced and entered a pilot-induced oscillation (PIO) in pitch. The commander assumed control and held the control stick slightly aft of neutral. However, before he could advance both the RPM and throttle levers, the aircraft touched down heavily on its nosewheel. The impact caused the nose leg to buckle and the propeller to strike the ground.
Outcome
Following the heavy nosewheel touchdown, the aircraft was taxied clear of the runway. No injuries occurred. The damage necessitated repairs to the nose gear, engine bulkhead, truss, propeller, and engine mount structure.