What happened
On 20 September 2008, a Rans S6-ES Coyote, registration G-CCTX, was conducting a private flight returning to York (Rufforth) Airfield from Fenland Airstrip. During the approach to Runway 24E, the pilot encountered wind conditions from 210º at 7 knots.
As the aircraft neared the runway, the pilot misjudged the impact of the crosswind, resulting in an excessive rate of descent. This caused the aircraft to bounce upon initial contact with the runway. During the subsequent touchdown, the aircraft struck the runway on its nose landing gear. The force of the impact caused the nose gear to detach from the airframe. The aircraft continued along the runway for approximately 20 metres before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, and both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing attempt and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft, which included damage to the propeller, the left wing tip, the underside of the engine cowling, and the nose landing gear.