What happened
On 6 April 2010, a Rans S6-ES Coyote II, registration G-MZMS, was performing a private flight at Michaelwood Farm, Alkington, Gloucestershire. While attempting an into-wind landing on a grass farm strip, the aircraft experienced a bounce immediately following touchdown. During this sequence, the nose landing gear dug into the ground, leading to its separation from the airframe. The propeller subsequently struck the ground, and the momentum caused the aircraft to spin around before coming to a halt.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted following the submission of an aircraft accident report by the pilot three months after the event. Due to this delay, the pilot's recollection of the specific mechanics of the accident was limited. At the time of the incident, the pilot was unable to identify the exact cause of the bounce or the subsequent gear failure.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the nose leg, the left main leg, and the propeller.
- The accident was characterized by a nose gear separation following a touchdown bounce.
- There were no injuries to the pilot during the occurrence.