What happened
On 4 September 2010, a Thruster T600T 450 Jab, registration G-BZJD, was conducting a private flight in the local area near Paddock Wood, Kent. The flight, which included the pilot and one passenger, was the second of the day. During the return to the circuit at Old Hay Airfield, the pilot executed a standard approach to Runway 10 under good weather conditions and a light easterly wind.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a bounce and entered a porpoising motion. Following a second bounce, the pilot applied full power in an effort to regain altitude and climb away. However, the aircraft made subsequent contact with the ground, causing the right main landing gear to collapse. This resulted in the aircraft somersaulting onto its roof in the middle of the runway. Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The pilot provided information regarding the flight profile and the specific maneuvers performed during the approach. The damage sustained by the aircraft included significant impact to the fuselage, the propeller, and the right main landing gear.