What happened
On 7 July 1998, a Reims Cessna F18degQ, registration G-BEKO, was conducting a private pleasure flight from Sherburn Aerodrome in Yorkshire to Burnham Airfield in Norfolk. The weather conditions during the flight were favorable, with visibility at the destination reported at 20 km and light winds.
Upon arriving at Burnham, the pilot initiated a standard circuit and approach to Runway 27, utilizing full flaps. The runway in question is a grass surface measuring 560 metres and features a downslope at its extremity. During the late stages of the approach, the pilot's attention shifted toward the far end of the runway due to a perception that the available landing distance was shortening. In an attempt to land closer to the threshold, the pilot reduced engine power. This resulted in the aircraft touching down with a nose-down attitude and significant force. Rather than bouncing, the aircraft skipped, pitched forward, and slid across the grass until it stopped. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse and resulted in damage to the propeller and engine cowling.
Both the pilot and the passenger, who were secured with lap and shoulder harnesses, exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the approach characteristics and the pilot's focus during the final stages of the flight. The inquiry established that the pilot had become preoccupied with the perceived lack of runway length, which led to a change in the flight profile at a critical moment.