Flight Details
On 1 September 2003 at 1200 UTC, a Jabiru UL-450 (registration G-BZUL) landed at Carlisle Airport, Cumbria, following a flight from Rufforth Airfield, Yorkshire. The aircraft was built by its owner and pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 182 hours of flying experience, including 68 hours on type. The pilot was the sole occupant.
Weather and Runway
Weather conditions at Carlisle were reported as CAVOK, with a surface wind from 020° at 4 kt. The pilot made an approach to Runway 25, which has an asphalt surface with an available landing distance of 1,469 metres (4,818 feet).
Accident Sequence
The approach was flown with one stage of flap at an indicated airspeed of 60 kt. Full flap was selected on short final. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced slightly, then made a second touchdown, landing heavily on the nosewheel. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft came to a halt on the runway.
Damage
The nose wheel assembly collapsed, the propeller tips were damaged, and a slight dent was noted on the port wing.
Pilot Comments
The pilot considered that he had attempted the landing with excessive speed, possibly as a result of an under-reading airspeed indicator (ASI). It was planned that the ASI would be re-calibrated following repair of the aircraft.