What happened
On 29 August 2009, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BSLK, was conducting a private flight from Wellesbourne. Upon arriving at Sandown Airport on the Isle of Wight, the pilot executed an overhead join for a right-hand circuit to Runway 23. During the approach, the pilot determined that the aircraft was too high on late final and elected to perform a go-around. The second approach was perceived as normal; however, the aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown that was earlier than anticipated. This impact caused the aircraft to bounce back into the air. Following the landing, an inspection revealed damage to the nose leg and the engine mounting bracket, along with scuff marks on the propeller tips.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the subsequent damage to the airframe. The pilot noted that the decision to go around was prompted by a perceived excess in height during the first approach. The investigation focused on the mechanics of the touchdown and the subsequent bounce that led to the structural impact.