Synopsis
The aircraft, a Vans RV-6A (registration G-RVSA), touched down on Runway 26 at Fishburn Airstrip, Co. Durham, and bounced twice before the nose landing gear made firm contact with the soft, grass surface. The nose landing gear then became partially embedded, and the aircraft nosed over onto its back.
History of the Flight
The flight was a private journey from Weald to Fishburn. The pilot made an approach to land on Runway 26, which is approximately 600 metres in length with a mown grass surface and a slight uphill slope. Weather conditions were good: wind at 2,000 ft was from 270° at 10 kt, visibility was about 15 km, and there was scattered cloud at 2,500 ft.
The aircraft was initially slightly high on approach, but the pilot considered it satisfactory and corrected by reducing power. The initial touchdown was followed by a low bounce, probably caused by an undulation in the runway surface. A second low bounce followed, though the landing still appeared normal. After the third contact with the runway, the aircraft pitched nose up to a height of approximately four feet before falling back onto the runway on the main landing gear. The aircraft then pitched forward and began to decelerate sharply. Deceleration continued until the ground speed was about 10 kt, when the aircraft nosed over onto its back.
Examination of the runway surface indicated that following the firm nose wheel contact, the nose wheel dug into the soft grass, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Both occupants were able to exit the cockpit through the canopy and received assistance from the Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Service. The air ambulance attended the scene to provide treatment for the injuries.
Damage and Injuries
Damage was sustained to the nosewheel, propeller, canopy, and tail. The crew member (the pilot) suffered serious injuries; the passenger sustained minor injuries.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 74, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 185 hours, of which 86 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 10 hours; in the last 28 days, 4 hours.