Rans S6-ES nose gear damage following fence strike at Bodmin Airfield

Casualties unknown • Bodmin Airfield, COrnwall, GB

A private flight in a Rans S6-ES experienced a heavy landing and nose gear damage after striking a barbed wire fence during an approach at Bodmin Airfield.

What happened

On 1 August 2001, a Rans S6-ES, registration G-BZKO, was performing a private flight at Bodmin Airfield, Cornwall. While flying the right-hand circuit to land on Runway 14, the pilot was overtaken by a Cessna 172. Although the Cessna was on a wider circuit, it reached the end of the downwind leg ahead of the G-BZKO.

As the Cessna transitioned to the base leg, the pilot of the Rans S06-ES extended his downwind leg to ensure the other aircraft could clear the runway. During the subsequent long final approach, the pilot observed that the Cessna was performing a touch-and-go. Concerned that the other pilot might be unaware of his position despite radio communications, the pilot decided to land at the runway threshold and taxi clear quickly to avoid any potential conflict.

As the aircraft approached the threshold, the pilot experienced a loss of altitude. Believing there was sufficient height and airspeed to reach the intended touchdown point without adding power, the pilot continued the descent. However, the pilot failed to notice a barbed wire fence that had been recently installed at the edge of the airfield. The nose landing gear struck the top strand of the fence, causing the wire to break at one end and pitching the aircraft's nose downward into a heavy landing. The impact punctured the nose tire and caused the aircraft to slew to one side before coming to a halt approximately 50 metres down the runway.

The investigation

The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of events leading to the contact with the airfield obstacle and the pilot's decision-making regarding the approach power settings.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, its mountings, and the fuselage fabric.
  • There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
  • The pilot's decision to land at the threshold left a very small margin for error.
  • The pilot failed to apply additional power to arrest a descent (sink) experienced during the final approach.
  • The pilot's attention was focused on the runway, resulting in a failure to identify the newly erected barbed wire fence.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to apply power to correct a loss of altitude during the final approach, combined with a failure to notice a barbed wire fence at the runway threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-08-01 RANS S6-ES accident near Bodmin Airfield, COrnwall, GB?

A private flight in a Rans S6-ES experienced a heavy landing and nose gear damage after striking a barbed wire fence during an approach at Bodmin Airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-08-01 involved a RANS S6-ES, registration G-BZKO, at Bodmin Airfield, COrnwall, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to apply power to correct a loss of altitude during the final approach, combined with a failure to notice a barbed wire fence at the runway threshold.

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