Incident Overview
On 24 August 2011 at 1504 UTC, a Jabiru UL-D (registration G-CDKP) sustained damage during landing at Earls Colne Airfield, Essex. The aircraft was being flown by a 52-year-old student pilot with 35 hours of total flying experience, all on the same type. The last 90 days included 7 hours of flight time, with only 1 hour in the previous 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Damyns Hall. After arriving at Earls Colne, the student pilot conducted a left-hand circuit to land on Runway 24. During the landing, the flare was executed late, resulting in a heavy touchdown. The aircraft subsequently bounced and landed heavily on all three wheels. During subsequent taxiing, the pilot noticed vibrations.
Damage Assessment
A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the propeller blade tips and a bent nose leg shock absorber (suspension bracket). No other damage was reported.
Injuries and Occupants
The aircraft carried only the pilot, who reported no injuries. There were no passengers.
Investigation
The pilot submitted an Aircraft Accident Report Form, providing the information used in this summary. The AAIB recorded the incident in Bulletin 1/2012.