What happened
On 15 September 2003, a Jabiru UL-450, registration G-LYPG, was conducting a private pleasure flight from Edington, Wiltshire, to Halwell, South Devon. After an intermediate stop at Compton Abbas for refueling and refreshments, the aircraft departed for its final destination via Lyme Regis and Exmouth. The weather conditions during the flight were reported as clear and sunny with no wind.
Upon approaching Halwell, the pilot opted to land on Runway 27, choosing this direction because the aircraft parking area was located at the opposite end of the runway. To facilitate a short-field landing, the pilot deployed full flaps and maintained approach speeds of 60 knots at the threshold and 55 knots during the flare. As the aircraft reached the threshold, it encountered an undulation in the runway surface, causing the aircraft to balloon back into the air. When the main wheels subsequently made contact with the ground, the aircraft pitched forward. This motion transferred the full weight of the aircraft onto the nose landing gear, resulting in its collapse. The aircraft came to a sudden halt on its nose but remained upright. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the physical characteristics of the runway surface. The pilot noted that the aircraft's speed at the threshold was approximately 5 knots higher than ideal for the conditions. The investigation also considered the impact of the uneven terrain at the landing site.