What happened
On 28 August 2008, an Ikarus C42 FB80, registration G-RODJ, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Swansea Airport. The aircraft, operated by a flying school, was being piloted by a student on their first solo mission. During the landing phase, the pilot performed a flare that was too early, resulting in a heavy bounced landing. Following this impact, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control due to incorrect rudder application, causing it to depart the side of the runway.
The investigation
Information regarding the event was gathered from an accident report submitted by the flying school's owner, as well as an observation by the air traffic control officer on duty. While the initial notification suggested damage to both the nose landing gear wheel and one main wheel, the school's report indicated that the damage was limited to the nose wheel. The investigation noted that the pilot was a student with 57 total flying hours. The AAIB was unable to establish further details as attempts to contact the aircraft owner were unsuccessful.
Findings
- The accident was caused by a heavy bounced landing following an premature flare.
- A loss of directional control occurred because of improper rudder input.
- The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear.