Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-34-200-2, registration G-BBLU, manufactured in 1973. It was powered by two Lycoming LIO-360-C1E6 piston engines. The flight was a private training flight returning from Southend Airport. On board were one pilot and one passenger; neither sustained injuries. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence with IMC and Night Rating, aged 52, and had 154 total flying hours, including 13 hours on type.
Approach and Landing
The flight was conducted in good weather with a reported surface wind of 220°/15 kt and possible gusts. The pilot positioned the aircraft on the right downwind for Runway 21 at Biggin Hill Airport. The approach was considered stabilised at the correct speed and glide slope, with minor turbulence at approximately 300 feet agl requiring only small corrections.
Landing Event
Touchdown was gentle, but the aircraft bounced. As it bounced, the pilot increased back pressure on the control column and retarded the throttles. The aircraft then bounced three or four more times with increasing severity, culminating in the nose gear collapsing. During this sequence, the pilot continued to increase back pressure on the controls.
Pilot's Actions and Aftermath
After the nose gear collapse, the pilot used differential braking to clear the runway to the left onto the grass. The aircraft sustained damage: the nose gear collapsed, the engines were shock loaded, propeller tips were bent, and the windscreen was shattered. The pilot considered that he failed to recognise the severity of the situation after the second bounce; he stated that his correct action should have been to commence a go-around at that point.