What happened
On 5 April 2003, a Rutan Long-EZ, registration G-RAFT, was conducting a private flight when it arrived at Gloucestershire Airport. The landing on the main wheels was initially completed normally; however, as the nosewheel made contact with the runway, the pilot experienced a significant vibration throughout the aircraft.
Believing that the vibration was caused by a puncture in the nosewheel tyre, the pilot decided to raise the nosewheel to prevent further issues. This maneuver allowed the aircraft's nose to settle onto the nose-skid. The aircraft continued along the paved surface for roughly 50 metres before coming to a complete stop. Aside from the punctured nose tyre, no further damage to the aircraft was reported.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot submitted an aircraft accident report form. The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the contact of the nosewheel with the ground and the subsequent decision-making process regarding the aircraft's nose-skid. The investigation confirmed that the crew, consisting of two persons, sustained no injuries during the event.