What happened
On 19 September 2008, a Pierre Robin R3000/140, registration G-BZOL, was involved in an accident at Compton Abbas, Dorset. During the landing phase, the aircraft touched down and immediately became airborne once more. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot tried to correct this bounce; however, the subsequent touchdown resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. This impact caused damage to the propeller and the engine mounts. The aircraft subsequently came to rest deep within the runway.
There were no fatalities and no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation relied on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and various witness statements. Witnesses observing the approach noted that the aircraft appeared to be flying at a higher altitude and a greater speed than usual. The flight path was described as a steep final approach, which contributed to the aircraft landing further down the runway than expected.
While the pilot maintained that the approach speeds and heights were within normal parameters, the physical evidence and witness accounts indicated a high-energy landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was the impact following the unsuccessful correction of a landing bounce.
- The aircraft's approach was characterized by a steep descent and excessive speed relative to standard operating procedures, as observed by ground witnesses.