What happened
On January 30, 2008, a solo pilot operating a HOAC DV 20 (Katana), registration PH-USI, was conducting a local flight from Lelystad Airport (EHLE). The pilot intended to practice a go-around before completing a final landing on runway 2 and was managing a crosswind component of approximately 15 knots at 500 feet.
The pilot's initial landing attempt was unsuccessful due to the aircraft being positioned left of the runway centerline and flying too high. During the flare, the nose gear broke off before the wheels even touched the ground. Following this, a second approach was attempted for a full stop, using the takeoff flap setting. During this second attempt, the aircraft struck the ground with the nose gear first, leading to a series of bounces. During the third bounce, the propeller was shattered. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the left side of the runway. The pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight parameters and the mechanical failure of the landing gear. Investigators reviewed meteorological data from the KNMI and aircraft performance specifications. It was noted that while the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit of 15 knots was not exceeded, the pilot's approach speed was significantly higher than standard. While the aircraft manual recommends a landing speed of 59 knots for both takeoff and landing flap settings, the pilot approached at approximately 80 knots, which is near the maximum speed permitted with extended flaps.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a porpoise landing, characterized by a sequence of impacts where the nose gear and main gear alternately struck the runway.
- The high approach speed of 80 knots likely contributed to the improper landing technique and the subsequent heavy impacts.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around after the first unsuccessful landing attempt, which allowed the subsequent hard landing to occur.