What happened
On 16 August 1999, a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-BBDC, was conducting a private flight from Andrewsfield to Rochester Airport. During the approach, the pilot communicated with Rochester Information to obtain local meteorological data. The initial report indicated a northwesterly surface wind of 5 knots or less, with Runway 34 suggested for landing. Visibility was reported as good, with a cloud base situated above 2,500 feet.
While the aircraft was on the downwind leg, air traffic services notified the pilot that the wind direction had shifted, making Runway 20 an available option. The pilot chose to maintain the original plan and continued the approach to Runway 34. During the final stages of the approach, the pilot noted that the aircraft was slightly high, though still within acceptable parameters. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot's subsequent attempts to correct the aircraft's attitude were delayed, leading to a heavy impact of the nosewheel against the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by an accident report submitted by the pilot, focused on the sequence of the landing and the resulting mechanical impact. The examination established that the aircraft's nosewheel torque link and the engine mounting frame sustained damage due to the force of the landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was a hard nosewheel impact following an uncorrected bounce during landing.
- The pilot's corrective actions following the initial bounce were not sufficiently rapid to prevent the nosewheel from striking the runway with significant force.