AAIB investigation to Vans RV-7A, G-IIRV
Nose leg collapsed, Goodwood Aerodrome, 31 May 2014.
Summary:
The pilot reported that he made a normal landing on both mainwheels but, towards the end of the ground roll, the nose leg collapsed and the aircraft skidded to a halt. The pilot described the condition of the grass runway as ‘soft’ and believes that it is possible that the nosewheel struck a divot.
The Airfield Manager informed the AAIB that aerodrome staff carry out a detailed assessment of the grass runways every day and, if the surface is considered to be in a poor condition, will either close that area of the airfield or not permit it to be used for touch-and-go landings. On the day of the accident the condition of Runway 32, on which the pilot landed, was assessed as:
‘Surface firm to soft with a few puddles. Land left or right of centreline 14/32 due surface condition.’
Touch-and-go landings were permitted.
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