What happened
On July 3, 2003, a PIPER PA-28-181, registration EC-DKC, was performing a series of takeoffs and landings at Zaragoza Airport. During the initial climb, the pilot noted a leftward wind drift. After reaching 2,000 feet, the pilot had to reduce power to maintain altitude due to slight upward movement of the aircraft.
During the landing approach on runway 30R, the pilot configured the aircraft with 25 degrees of flaps and an approach speed of 80 knots, which was slightly above the recommended 75 knots. The pilot reported having to work to keep the aircraft centered on the runway axis due to the wind. Just before the landing flare, the pilot noticed an increased rate of descent despite a speed of 70 knots. The pilot performed the flare moments before touchdown, but the impact was not smooth, causing the aircraft to bounce.
A second landing attempt also resulted in a bounce. On the third attempt, the aircraft remained on the ground, but the pilot lost directional control via the rudder pedals. Upon stopping, the pilot observed that the propeller blades were bent, indicating that the nose gear had sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing attempts and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The inspection of the wreckage revealed that the nose gear fork had broken at the wheel axle, causing the wheel to detach, and showed lateral deformation. The propeller blades were bent backward by approximately 15 cm from the tips due to contact with the runway pavement.
Findings
- The pilot focused primarily on maintaining the aircraft on the runway centerline, which led to neglecting the control of the descent rate.
- The first and second landing flares were performed too late, preventing an adequate reduction in vertical speed and causing the aircraft to bounce.
- On the third contact, the aircraft likely landed in a three-point position or the nose wheel touched the ground first.
- The investigation established that the aircraft slid to the right during one of the bounces.
- The pilot's limited flight experience (56 total hours) was identified as a contributing factor to the incident.