What happened
On 21 August 2009, a Grumman AA-5B Tiger, registration G-BFXW, was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during its approach to Runway 22 at Cromer Airfield, Norfolk. The aircraft was configured with full flaps and maintaining an airspeed of 65 kt. As the aircraft crossed a railway line situated approximately 125 metres from the displaced threshold, it underwent a rapid descent.
During this descent, the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft struck the ground in a nose-up attitude and subsequently bounced forward onto its nose. This impact caused the propeller to strike the ground and resulted in damage to the engine via shock-loading, as well as damage to the nose and main landing gear. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the descent and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The pilot noted that the descent occurred so quickly that there was insufficient time to apply engine power, and the pilot did not recall hearing a stall warning. The pilot also suggested that turbulence caused by a passing train near the railway line might have influenced the aircraft's stability during the approach.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a rapid descent just before reaching the displaced threshold.
- The nose landing gear collapsed during the landing sequence.
- The impact with the ground led to propeller, engine, and landing gear damage.