What happened
On 30 August 2008, a Vans RV-6A, registration G-RVSA, was performing a private flight from Weald to Fishburn Airstrip in County Durham. During the approach to Runway 26, the pilot noted the aircraft was slightly high but adjusted the power to correct the glide path. The runway, which consists of a mown grass surface with a slight uphill gradient, was approximately 600 metres long.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a low bounce, likely due to an undulation in the runway surface, followed by a second low bounce. While the landing initially appeared stable, the aircraft pitched nose-up to a height of roughly four feet before returning to the main landing gear. As the aircraft decelerated, the nose landing gear made firm contact with the ground. The gear became partially embedded in the soft grass, causing the aircraft to pitch forward and ultimately nose over onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation examined the damage sustained by the aircraft, which included impacts to the propeller, canopy, tail, and nosewheel. Investigators also analyzed the runway surface conditions and the sequence of the aircraft's movements during the landing phase. The investigation established that the aircraft's deceleration continued until ground speed reached approximately 10 knots, at which point the nose-over occurred.
Findings
- The aircraft's nose landing gear made a firm impact with the runway surface.
- The nose landing gear became embedded in the soft grass, which triggered the forward pitch and subsequent nose-over.
- The occupants of the aircraft, consisting of the pilot and one passenger, sustained one serious injury and one minor injury.