Incident Overview
On 16 September 2000, a Slingsby T67A (registration G-BJIG) was involved in an incident during a dual familiarisation flight at White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1982, was powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2A piston engine. The flight was private, with two crew members (a trainee pilot and an Assistant Flying Instructor) and no passengers. Neither occupant was injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, fuselage, and propeller.
Flight Details
The commander, aged 28, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 203 hours total flying experience, with less than one hour on the Slingsby T67A type. The instructor had eight hours on type. After about 30 minutes of local flying, the aircraft rejoined the circuit for Runway 29 (grass) at White Waltham. The surface wind was from 290° at 10 to 15 knots.
Sequence of Events
Two previous circuits resulted in landings described as 'slightly hard but safe'. The third circuit was planned as a flapless landing. The approach was normal, but during the landing flare the aircraft floated and the stall warning horn sounded. In response, the trainee moved the stick forward. Before the instructor could intervene, the nosewheel contacted the ground and detached. The aircraft bounced back into the air. The instructor took control, unaware that the nose landing gear had detached, and completed a successful landing with the aircraft coming to rest nose-down. There was no fire, and both occupants vacated via normal means.
Damage and Aftermath
The detachment of the nose landing gear caused structural damage to the nose gear assembly, fuselage, and propeller. The aircraft was not reported as destroyed.
Probable Cause
The AAIB report did not assign a probable cause to this incident.
Safety Observations
The report notes the instructor's limited experience on type (eight hours) and the trainee's minimal time on type (less than one hour). However, no formal analysis or recommendations were provided in the source.