What happened
On 4 November 2005, a Pierre Robin DR400/180, registration G-BSLA, was preparing for a series of circuits at Rochester Airport. After completing pre-flight checks, the pilot taxied toward Runway 20R. During the taxi, the nose of the aircraft pitched downward, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The pilot immediately shut down the engine and notified the Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer (AFISO). The pilot then taxied the aircraft back to the apron.
The investigation
Following the incident, airport staff inspected the concrete area where the pilot had been instructed to perform power checks. They identified a depression in the concrete, measuring approximately 3 metres in diameter and 9 cm deep, which featured propeller strike marks at the edge of the depression. The area was found to be cracked with grass growing within the fissures.
An examination of the aircraft revealed that both propeller blade tips had curled forward due to the impact. While no other visible damage was found, the engine may have been subject to a shock load. The investigation also noted that the pilot had previously experienced issues with the nose gear oleo. Specifically, the oleo had been too hard during a recent maintenance adjustment, but it was also found to be softer than normal during the investigation, which reduced the propeller clearance from 17 cm to 10 cm when compressed.