What happened
On 4 March 2013, a Pioneer 300 aircraft, registration G-EKIM, was conducting a private flight arriving at Chiltern Park from the south. The pilot initially intended to land on the grass runway 22L/04R; however, because that runway was being used for hot air balloon preparations, the pilot opted for runway 33 instead.
During the approach, the pilot performed a descending right turn toward the threshold. The pilot noted that the aircraft crossed the threshold at a height of approximately 100 feet, potentially at an excessive speed. The initial contact with the ground resulted in a slight bounce. Following a series of subsequent contacts, the nosewheel struck an uneven section of the runway surface, leading to its collapse. This caused the engine cowling and propeller to strike the ground as the aircraft stopped.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the landing sequence and the condition of the runway surface. The pilot noted that while the runway surface was somewhat uneven, the primary issue was the aircraft's energy state and the decision-making process during the landing flare.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, cowling, nosewheel, and the nosewheel retraction system.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board.
- The accident was primarily caused by excessive speed prior to touchdown and the pilot's failure to initiate a go-around after the initial bounce.