Flight and Approach
On 16 August 1999 at 1137 UTC, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration G-BBDC, year of manufacture 1973, powered by a Lycoming 0.320-E2A piston engine) was on a private flight from Andrewsfield. The pilot, aged 49 and holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 95 total flying hours (10 on type), contacted 'Rochester Information' for airfield details. He was advised that the surface wind was north westerly at 5 kt or less and was offered Runway 34 for landing. Visibility was good with no cloud below 2,500 feet agl.
Landing Sequence
As the pilot entered the downwind leg, he was advised that the surface wind had backed and that Runway 20 was available. The pilot declined this suggestion and continued his approach to Runway 34. He considered that his final approach was slightly high but within limits. On landing, the aircraft bounced. The pilot acknowledged that his corrective actions were slow, resulting in the nosewheel contacting the runway hard on the subsequent touchdown.
Damage
The event caused damage to the nosewheel torque link and the engine mounting frame. No injuries occurred to the pilot, who was the sole occupant.
Information Source
This article is based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and published in AAIB Bulletin No: 11/99 (Ref: EW/G99/08/36).