Accident Details
On 14 April 2005 at 1630 hours UTC, a Vans RV-9A (registration G-CCZT) sustained damage to its nose landing gear during landing at Bicester Airfield in Oxfordshire. The aircraft was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2A piston engine and was manufactured in 2004. The private flight carried one crew member and one passenger; neither reported injuries.
Pilot's Account
The pilot, aged 61, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 107 total flying hours (12 hours on type). The aircraft was landing on Runway 13, a grass surface described as damp, with a two to three knot easterly wind. After what the pilot described as a 'very acceptable landing', he applied slight back pressure to keep weight off the nose wheel during rollout. As speed decreased through about 30 knots, the aircraft encountered surface undulations. The pilot stated that the ground was soft in that area, and the nut at the bottom of the nose landing gear dug into the surface, bending the nose leg.
The pilot assessed that his landing technique contributed—specifically, insufficient back pressure to keep weight off the nose gear longer. He noted his unfamiliarity with the aircraft and the airfield, and that he should have verified the landing surface was acceptable. The pilot added that the airfield is known for being bumpy in places, and as a new operator there, he was not aware of areas to avoid.
Airfield Information
Bicester Airfield's grass runways are unlicensed and primarily define the landing direction. Runway lengths are marked, but there are no edge markings; all grass is mown uniformly. The airfield is mainly used for gliding, and light aircraft operate at their own risk. General Aviation Safety Sense Leaflet 12C ('Strip Sense') provides guidance for unlicensed aerodromes, including assessing the strip. The pilot stated the undulations were encountered halfway along and to the left of the landing area.