What happened
On 2 April 2000, a Jabiru UL, registration G-MGCA, was conducting a private flight at Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey. The flight included the pilot and one young passenger. During the flight, the passenger became unwell due to airsickness and remained symptomatic for the remainder of the trip.
In response to the passenger's condition, the pilot initiated an approach to the grass Runway 08. At the time of the landing, weather conditions were characterized by good visibility and calm winds. During the landing sequence, the aircraft bounced multiple times on the runway surface. The sequence of bounces continued until the aircraft came to a complete stop, at which point the nose leg was found to be broken. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the landing technique and the pilot's state of mind during the final approach. The investigation established that the pilot experienced significant anxiety regarding the passenger's health, which created an urgent desire to land the aircraft as quickly as possible.
Findings
- The primary factor in the landing instability was the pilot's reduced concentration, which was caused by the stress of managing a sick passenger.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage specifically to the nose leg.
- The landing occurred on a grass runway under favorable meteorological conditions.