Synopsis
A student pilot flying solo in a Cessna F172P Skyhawk (registration EI-SKP) conducted a training flight from Abbeyshrule Airfield, County Longford. The approach was high and fast, and after the initial touchdown the aircraft bounced. It subsequently contacted the runway nose-wheel first and bounced again before coming to rest. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot received a minor injury after exiting. There was no fire.
History of the Flight
The aircraft departed Abbeyshrule Airfield at 08:25 UTC on a solo training exercise east of the airfield. The student performed general handling exercises as assigned by his instructor. On return, he intended to carry out circuit practice. He made an approach to Runway 28, estimating an airspeed of 65–70 knots with flaps set to 30 degrees. Realizing the aircraft was high on the approach, he continued. Witnesses reported the aircraft landed long and fast. A video recording confirmed that after initial touchdown, the aircraft became airborne again, contacted the runway nose-down, bounced again, and remained on the runway.
Witness Observations
Witness No. 1, situated near the northern apron, observed the approach and considered the aircraft "fast and long" and that it appeared "too fast to land." He thought the pilot was trying "to force it down." He saw the aircraft contact the runway near the intersection with Taxiway A North, nose-wheel first, then bounce. The aircraft left the ground by about two to three metres. The nose descended again, and the main wheels touched down. The aircraft became airborne again, then returned to the ground nose-wheel first. The aircraft veered left with the nose close to the ground, and the witness believed the propeller struck the runway after the second bounce. The aircraft stopped near the intersection with Taxiway C South. Power was applied, possibly to taxi.
Witness No. 2, the instructor who authorized the flight, was at the ATO facility. He did not see the approach but saw the landing. He stated the student landed "heavily" on the main gear and bounced, opining that he may have "pushed forward on the control yoke, causing the aircraft to impact on its nose-wheel." The aircraft touched on again with the main wheels and bounced a second time onto its nose-wheel. The instructor closed the runway and was among the first to reach the aircraft; the student had already exited. The wind was described as "very light," with nearby stations reporting 330° at 4 knots and 300° at 5 knots.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft was recovered to the maintenance ramp. The nose landing gear and propeller sustained considerable damage. The top alignment bolt of the nose oleo sheared due to heavy impact, allowing the inner tube to exit upward from the oleo housing. The top attachment bracket between the nose leg and the firewall separated from the primary structure due to rivet shear; the bottom bracket also sheared and separated. The nose leg rotated forward, causing the propeller, which remained under power, to contact the runway. Both propeller blades showed evidence of runway contact, likely shock-loading the engine. The aircraft was subsequently repaired and returned to service.
Licensing and Training
The student pilot was 26 years old and held a Class 2 Medical Certificate. He was authorized for the solo flight under EASA Part FCL.020. His total flying experience was 43 hours, including 5.5 hours on the Cessna 172 type. He had completed 21 hours of flight training between November 2010 and June 2013, then recommenced training on 6 July 2020. The instructor who authorized the flight held a Commercial Pilot Licence and a Flight Instructor Rating.
Aftermath
After the aircraft came to a stop, the student attempted to taxi and then called for assistance on the airfield frequency. He completed shutdown checks and exited the aircraft normally, but sustained a minor injury after exiting. The aircraft was pushed clear of the runway and taken to the maintenance hangar.