Introduction
On 2 June 1998, at approximately 1445 UTC, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration G-EORG) operated by a private pilot experienced a landing incident at Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its nose landing gear. The pilot and one passenger were uninjured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a 1978 Piper PA-38-112 powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The pilot, aged 59, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 58 flying hours, of which 54 were on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 7 hours, all within the last 28 days.
Flight Details
The pilot was returning from a local flight. The active runway was 25, and the reported surface wind was 210°/20 kt. On his first approach, a gust of wind caught the aircraft during the flare, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around.
Accident Sequence
During the second approach, the surface wind had shifted to 220°/20 kt. The pilot configured the aircraft for a crosswind landing. The approach was satisfactory, with the flare initiated on the runway centreline. However, a gust again affected the aircraft during the flare. Before the pilot could take corrective action, the right mainwheel contacted the runway, immediately followed by the nosewheel. The landing roll was completed without further incident, but a subsequent inspection revealed damage to the nose landing gear.
Cause
The pilot attributed the accident to initiating the flare too early in an attempt to protect the nose landing gear during the crosswind landing.