What happened
On 24 August 2011, a Jabiru UL-D, registration G-CDKP, was conducting a training flight at Earls Colne Airfield in Essex. After arriving from Damyns Hall, the student pilot entered a left-hand circuit to land on Runway 24. During the approach, the flare was delayed, which resulted in the aircraft making a heavy impact with the runway. The aircraft subsequently bounced and underwent a second heavy landing on all three wheels. During the taxiing following the landing, the pilot noted vibrations occurring within the aircraft.
The investigation
An investigation was initiated following the submission of an aircraft accident report by the student pilot. Investigators examined the aircraft to determine the extent of the structural impact. A post-flight inspection of the Jabiru UL-D identified specific damage to the propeller blade tips. Additionally, the inspection revealed that the nose leg shock absorber had been bent during the landing sequence.