What happened
On 4 September 1999, a Vans RV-6A, registration G-HOPY, was performing a private flight from Bodmin to Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. During the arrival phase, the pilot attempted to land on Runway 05 but was forced to perform two go-arounds due to the presence of other aircraft in the vicinity.
Upon the third approach, the pilot noted another aircraft following closely behind. This proximity created a perceived necessity to complete the landing quickly. The aircraft subsequently touched down but underwent two or three bounces on the runway. During this sequence, the nose landing gear collapsed, resulting in damage to the propeller and the right wing of the aircraft.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation, based on the accident report submitted by the pilot, examined the circumstances leading to the gear failure. The inquiry focused on the flight profile during the final approach and the impact of traffic separation on the pilot's decision-making. The investigation established that the pilot's desire to land promptly to avoid the trailing aircraft influenced the landing technique.