What happened
On 7 September 1999, a Piper PA-34-200-2, registration G-BBLU, was conducting a private training flight returning to Biggin Hill Airport from Southend Airport. During the approach to Runway 21, the weather conditions were favorable, though the surface wind was reported at 220°/15 kt with potential for gusts.
As the aircraft descended, the pilot encountered minor turbulence at roughly 300 feet above ground level, which required only slight corrections. While the pilot initially assessed the approach as stabilized on the correct glide slope and speed, the aircraft experienced a gentle touchdown followed by a bounce. In response to this bounce, the pilot applied increased back pressure to the control column and reduced throttle. The aircraft subsequently bounced several more times, with each impact becoming more violent. This sequence of bounces culminated in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The pilot managed to use differential braking to steer the aircraft off the runway onto the grass.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The assessment focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase and the pilot's subsequent control inputs. The investigation established that there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board. The aircraft sustained damage including a shattered windscreen, bent propeller tips, and shock loading to the engine.
Findings
- The aircraft underwent a series of multiple bounces that increased in intensity.
- The pilot continued to apply increasing back pressure on the controls during the bouncing sequence.
- The pilot failed to identify the escalating danger after the second bounce, which prevented the initiation of a timely go-around.