History of the Flight
On 8 July 2017, a Cessna C-152 registered as 9M-FBS was operated by FAS Udara Flying Club for a student pilot's first solo circuit and landing sortie. The student pilot was the sole occupant. The take-off was uneventful. While on downwind, the control tower positioned the aircraft as number two behind another aircraft on long finals. To maintain spacing, the student pilot performed a left-hand orbit on downwind before being cleared for finals on Runway 15. During the landing, the aircraft bounced and ballooned twice on the main landing gear before contacting the runway hard, nose-wheel first. The nose-wheel assembly collapsed, and the propeller struck the runway. The aircraft came to a stop. The pilot secured the aircraft, informed the tower, and egressed with her belongings.
Injuries
The student pilot was not injured.
Damage to Aircraft
The nose-wheel gear assembly sustained substantial damage. The propeller and engine cowling were also damaged.
Personnel Information
The student pilot was a 37-year-old Malaysian female holding a valid Student Pilot License (SPL No 12873) valid until 30 June 2018. Her medical certificate was valid until 30 June 2018. She had logged 36 total flying hours, all on the Cessna C-152.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna C-152, serial number 15282300, owned by Alaris Aerospace Systems Sdn Bhd and operated by FAS Udara Flying Club. Its Certificate of Airworthiness was issued on 8 January 2017 and expired on 7 November 2017. The airframe had accumulated over 9,000 flight hours.
Meteorological Information
The weather at the time, as reported by METAR and TAF for Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, indicated calm wind, visibility of 8 km, and few clouds at 2,500 feet (FEW025).
Analysis
The student pilot reported that her initial approach was on height, heading, and at correct speed. She stated that the first bounce may have been due to insufficient flare to reduce the rate of descent. After the first bounce, she increased power slightly to regain control, but the aircraft bounced a second time. She then decided to go around, but before applying full power, the aircraft contacted the runway in a nose-down attitude. The investigation noted that training materials and instruction methods were found to be adequate.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the accident was most likely caused by the student pilot applying insufficient flare during the initial touch-down. Attempting to correct the bounced landing instead of performing an immediate go-around led to a second bounce. When she attempted to go around, she may have inadvertently placed the aircraft in a nose-down attitude before applying full power. The accident was classified as an Abnormal Runway Contact (ARC).
Safety Recommendations
The operator was recommended to ensure that correct landing techniques and proper corrective actions for poor landings are continuously reinforced among instructors and students to address this training hazard.