AAIB investigation to Aeroprakt A22-LS Foxbat, G-FXBA
Hard landing, Holmbeck Farm Airfield, Buckinghamshire, 10 August 2020
Summary:
The accident occurred while landing at Holmbeck Farm Airfield, Buckinghamshire. At the time Runway 11 was in use, the weather was good with a light wind from the southeast and a temperature of 33°C.
Shortly before landing, at about 5-10 ft agl, the aircraft unexpectedly climbed approximately 10 ft. It then descended rapidly, landed firmly, and bounced before landing again. The second landing was on the aircraft’s nosewheel, which collapsed and dug into the grass. The aircraft then pitched forward and came to rest inverted (Figure 1). The pilot isolated the aircraft’s systems and exited the aircraft unhurt with assistance from onlookers.
The pilot stated that he made no conscious control input during the unexpected climb, but witnesses thought he may have instinctively pitched the nose down to counteract it.
The pilot thought the unexpected climb was caused by a gust of wind or a thermal effect caused by the high temperature. He commented that the hard landing was a result of him not initiating a go-around promptly in the short time available, adding that he has learned to be prepared to initiate a go-around at the first sign of anything untoward.
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