Johnno,
Sorry to hear about the eyepiece tumble. It is never a good feeling when this sort of thing happens but take a little comfort from the fact that "it could have been" a very expensive one.
I know it might sound a little "anal" but I got myself into a pattern years ago after dropping an eyepiece whilst packing up. The 1st thing I do when I finish observing is to remove my eyepiece and any accessories from the telescope. I then pack them back into my hard foam lined aluminium carry case and lock the case and then put it in the car or take it inside, depending on where I am observing. I then proceed to pack up everything else and put it away or in the car. The last thing I move is the telescope. In addition I never use the accessory tray fitted to the telescope, I actually remove them. I always use an observing table beside the telescope and place my eyepiece case on the table. As I change over eyepieces I always return them immediately to their nesting place in the case. It may sound a little bit of a pain and a bit "anal" but I haven't had an accident in a long long time
CS-John B