What happened
On 8 September 2012, a Vans RV-8A, registration G-RVCH, was performing circuit training at Cranfield Airfield in Bedfordshire. During the approach to Runway 21, the pilot flared the aircraft slightly higher than usual. Upon contact with the runway, the aircraft bounced and became airborne for a brief period.
As the aircraft returned to the surface, the pilot relaxed backpressure on the control column. This movement caused the nosewheel to strike the runway, which resulted in the nosewheel leg bending backwards. The aircraft subsequently completed its ground run and came to a stop on the paved surface. The pilot was able to vacate the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the accident report submitted by the pilot, focused on the sequence of the touchdown and the subsequent impact. The examination of the aircraft revealed that the nosewheel leg, the nose leg fairing, and the spat had sustained damage due to the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was a nosewheel strike following an aircraft bounce during the landing phase.
- The pilot'ed performed a flare that was higher than normal, leading to the initial bounce.
- The relaxation of backpressure on the control column during the second touchdown contributed to the nosewheel leg bending backwards.