What happened
On 2 July 2011, a Pitts S-2A aircraft, registration G-ODDS, was completing a solo aerobatic flight at White Waltham Airfield in Berkshire. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by calm surface winds.
During the initial approach to Runway 21, the aircraft bounced upon contacting the grass runway. In response to this bounce, the pilot initiated a go-around and rejoined the circuit to attempt a second landing. On this subsequent approach, the pilot maintained a standard approach speed of 85 mph IAS and executed a flare. However, during the landing roll, the application of the wheel brakes was too early and too heavy. This caused the aircraft to tip forward onto its nose.
Following the impact, the pilot shut off the fuel supply and informed Air Traffic Control of the incident before vacating the aircraft. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The physical damage sustained by the aircraft included damage to the propeller blades, the propeller spinner, and the wheel spats.