Accident
On 17 April 2011 at approximately 1320 UTC, a Jabiru SK aircraft, registration G-HINZ, was involved in an accident at Manchester Barton Airport during a private flight. The pilot had just completed an aircraft familiarisation flight and was returning to land on Runway 27. The weather was reported as fine with a light variable wind.
According to the pilot, the approach appeared normal at 250 ft above airfield level (aal). However, while descending through 200 ft aal, the airspeed reduced. In response, the pilot increased engine power. The aircraft then pitched up, followed by a pitch down, then another pitch up, before it "suddenly pitched down" and struck the ground. The nosewheel detached upon impact, and the aircraft slid along the runway for approximately 30 to 40 metres.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Jabiru SK manufactured in 2000, was powered by a single Jabiru Aircraft PTY 2200A piston engine. Both occupants were wearing lap and diagonal harnesses and were uninjured. The pilot, aged 63, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 730 hours, of which only 1 hour was on the Jabiru SK type. In the last 90 days, the pilot had flown 4 hours, and in the last 28 days, 4 hours.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the airspeed indicator (ASI) was tested and found to be reading correctly. The damage to the aircraft included the nosewheel, propeller, cabin floor, and the engine being shock-loaded. The pilot was unable to identify a single cause of the accident.