What happened
On 27 October 2003, a Jabiru SK, registration G-BYNS, was conducting a private flight at Tibenham Airfield, near Norwich, Norfolk. During the landing phase, the pilot executed an approach to Runway 21 that was steeper than standard procedures.
As the aircraft transitioned toward the runway, the initial contact with the ground occurred on the nosewheel rather than the main landing gear. This impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse and become detached from its structural mountings. Following the gear failure, the aircraft slid along the runway, resulting in additional damage to the propeller and the underside of the engine cowling.
The investigation
Following the incident, the AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the landing. The investigation established that the pilot had not prepared for an earlier-than-normal flare, which was necessitated by the steeper flight path. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence, exited the aircraft through the standard exit and sustained no injuries.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear failure was the initial touchdown on the nosewheel.
- The steep approach profile led to a landing configuration that was not anticipated by the pilot.
- The impact of the nosewheel contact was sufficient to cause the nose gear to detach from its mountings.