What happened
On 25 March 2011, a Savannah Jabiru(5), registration G-CEEX, was conducting a private flight at Hollym Airstrip in East Yorkshire. Prior to landing, the pilot flew over the airfield, noting the location of the cliffs that form the eastern boundary of the site. Although the airfield operator had previously advised the pilot via telephone to establish radio contact before landing and specifically cautioned against approaching over the cliffs, the pilot did not make radio contact before the arrival.
Due to concerns regarding landing towards the cliffs, the pilot opted to use Runway 1s7 instead of the more into-wind Runway 13. During the approach, the pilot determined the aircraft was too high but believed there was enough remaining runway to complete the landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, causing the nose landing gear to buckle under the fuselage and the propeller to strike the runway surface. The engine also sustained shock-loading.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent enquiries. Investigators examined the landing sequence and the pilot's decision-making regarding runway selection and radio communication. The investigation also reviewed the airfield's published warnings, which advise first-time visitors that Runway 17 is not recommended.
Findings
- The pilot did not establish radio contact with the airfield operator prior to landing.
- The pilot chose to land on Runway 17 to avoid flying over the eastern cliffs, despite the runway being less favorable for wind conditions.
- The aircraft experienced a bounce on touchdown, which led to the structural failure of the nose gear and subsequent damage to the propeller, flight controls, and forward fuselage.