What happened
On 24 February 2007, a Van’s RV-9A, registration G-CCZY, was conducting a private flight when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase at Caernarfon Airfield. While approaching Runway 20, the aircraft passed over the runway threshold, at which point it bounced.
In response to the bounce, the pilot reduced the throttle and attempted to flare. However, the subsequent touchdown occurred on the nosewheel rather than the main gear. This impact caused the nosewheel to collapse, leading to further damage to the propeller, the port wing tip, the nosewheel assembly, and the wheel spulations. Both the pilot and the passenger, who were secured with full harnesses, were able to exit the aircraft without difficulty. The passenger sustained one minor injury to the hip.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing maneuver and the mechanical response of the landing gear upon the secondary impact.