What happened
On 11 February 2008, a Grumman AA-5A Cheetah, registration G-BFIN, was performing a series of circuits at Prestwick Airport, Scotland. The flight was a private operation involving a single pilot. During the approach to Runway 13, the pilot determined that the aircraft was too high on the final approach path. In an effort to increase the rate of descent and correct the glide path, the pilot reduced engine power.
As the aircraft entered the flare, it sank rapidly and made heavy contact with the runway surface. This heavy touchdown caused the aircraft to pitch nose-down, resulting in the propeller striking the runway. Following the incident, the pilot taxied the aircraft away from the active runway. Unaware that the aircraft had sustained structural damage, the pilot proceeded to take off again for another circuit. The damage to the nosewheel and propeller was only identified after the aircraft had been shut down at the flying club.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight history and the pilot's experience. At the time of the accident, the pilot held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 141 total flying hours, all of which were accumulated on this specific aircraft type. The pilot's most recent flight had occurred seven weeks prior to the accident, which met the flying club's requirements for solo hire, though it was the only flight completed in the preceding three months.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the heavy landing caused by an improper reduction of power during the approach.
- The pilot's attempt to correct a high approach by reducing power led to an excessive sink rate during the flare.
- The pilot did not realize the aircraft had sustained damage to the nosewheel and propeller during the initial touchdown.