What happened
On 14 September 2017, a Cessna 152, registration G-BKAZ, was returning to Perth Aerodrome following a short solo cross-country flight. As the student pilot transitioned onto the final approach, rainfall began to reduce visibility. During the final moments before touchdown, a sudden change in wind direction caused the aircraft to drift away from the runway centre line. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the aircraft made a heavy impact with the runway and subsequently bounced.
Following the landing, the pilot taxied the aircraft back to the parking area. During this process, the pilot noticed that the rudder was not functioning correctly. An inspection revealed that the aircraft had suffered a propeller strike, along with distortion to the engine frame and the firewall.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The pilot reported experiencing a sudden windshear that increased the rate of descent, leading to an earlier touchdown than anticipated.
Records indicated that the student pilot had 61 total flying hours, with 60 of those hours logged on this specific type. On the day of the accident, the student had previously completed two flights with an instructor, including a circuit in significant crosswinds, which the instructor deemed handled successfully. The instructor had briefed the student on the potential for localized showers and variable wind conditions prior to the solo flight. The investigation established that the damage to the propeller, engine frame, and firewall likely occurred as a result of the bounced landing.