What happened
On 2 September 2007, a Vans RV-9A, registration G-CDMF, was conducting a private return flight from St. Omer, France, to Oaksey Park Airfield in Wiltshire. Upon approaching the airfield, the pilot performed an overflight to assess local wind conditions using the airfield's windsocks. The pilot estimated the wind to be variable from 270 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts reaching 15 knots.
The pilot commenced a left downwind approach to the grass runway 22. During the final approach, the airspeed was reduced to 65 mph with full flaps selected. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot transitioned the power to idle to begin the flare. During this phase, the aircraft's nose pitched up by approximately 10 degrees before suddenly dropping by 3 to 4 feet. The aircraft subsequently landed tail-down and bounced on its main landing gear.
Following the bounce, the aircraft entered a heavy nose-down landing on the nose gear. The nosewheel dug into the ground, causing the aircraft to flip onto its back. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though both occupants were initially trapped inside the inverted cockpit. The airfield manager eventually used an axe to cut a section of the canopy, allowing the occupants to escape.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the weather conditions at the time of the accident, and the pilot's assessment of the landing. Investigators noted the pilot's observation of the windsock veering left, indicating variable and gusty conditions. The investigation also reviewed the physical damage to the aircraft, which included the propeller, nose gear, canopy, left wing tip, and the upper fin and rudder.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude during the flare phase.
- The landing was characterized by a bounce on the main gear followed by a heavy impact on the nose gear.
- Wind shear near the runway threshold and the presence of gusty, variable winds likely contributed to the loss of stability.
- The pilot's landing airspeed was considered too low for the prevailing gusty weather conditions.