Accident Details
On 29 May 2009 at 17:50 UTC, a Cessna 152, registration CS-AVC, owned by Leávia, was landing on runway 35 at Cascais Aerodrome (LPCS) when the nose landing gear collapsed and the propeller blades struck the runway. The aircraft came to rest nose-down on the runway centerline. The solo student pilot, a 24-year-old female holding an ATP (A) license with 82:05 total flight hours, was uninjured and evacuated the aircraft unaided.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had departed from runway 35 for a solo navigation flight to Peniche. After departure, she encountered turbulence near the Serra de Sintra and decided to cancel the mission and return to Cascais. During the approach to runway 35, the aircraft was configured with 25° flaps and was at an excessive speed. The flare was executed too low, causing the aircraft to balloon and then touch down on the nose wheel. The nose gear leg failed under the impact forces, and the propeller blades contacted the runway surface, sustaining damage.
Aircraft and Damage
The Cessna 152 (serial number 79621, built in 1978) sustained visible damage to the propeller blades, nose landing gear and its shock absorber, the fuselage, and the engine mount. No fire occurred.
Pilot Information
The student pilot had begun flight training on 17 May 2007 and completed her first solo flight on 28 March 2008. She had a six-month break from flying (May to November 2008) due to medical reasons. At the time of the accident, her recent flight experience included 19:20 hours and 20 landings in the previous 90 days. She held a valid ATP (A) license issued by the INAC.
Meteorological Information
Weather at the time was clear sky with visibility greater than 10 km. Wind was from 310–330° at 10 knots. The AIP for Portugal notes the possibility of wind shear on approach to runway 35 when north wind exceeds 10 knots.
Additional Facts
The flight was operating under a VFR flight plan. Radio communications were conducted with Cascais Tower on frequency 120.30 MHz. The aircraft was not equipped with flight data recorders, as not required by regulations.