What happened
On 28 June 2006, a Morane Saulnier Rallye 235E, registration G-BWWG, was conducting a private flight in the vicinity of Mullaghmore, Northern Ireland. Upon arrival at the destination, the pilot performed a left-hand orbit to survey the area and confirmed that no other aircraft were present in the circuit or operating on the ground. The windsock indicated a light southerly breeze.
During the approach for Runway 18, the pilot noted that the aircraft's speed was slightly higher than ideal. As the aircraft neared the runway, it bounced. During the subsequent second touchdown, the nose landing gear leg collapsed. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The physical damage to the aircraft included scraping to the lower engine cowling, as well as damage to the propeller and the nose landing gear leg.
Findings
- The pilot identified that the aircraft was traveling at an excessive speed just prior to touchdown.
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact of the bounced touchdown, which overstressed the nose landing gear assembly, leading to its collapse.