Accident Overview
On July 8, 2018, at 1441 UTC, a Cessna 152 (registration G-BUEG) experienced a landing gear failure while returning to Rochester Airport, Kent, after a solo navigation flight. The aircraft came to rest inverted, sustaining damage to the nose landing gear and the airframe.
Flight Sequence
The student pilot, who held a student pilot license and had accumulated 78 total flying hours (all on type), was completing a solo navigation exercise. Prior to the accident, the student had flown a circuit with his instructor, who assessed the approach and landing as satisfactory. The student had not flown for approximately three weeks before this flight.
On the first landing attempt, the aircraft bounced, and the student initiated a go-around. During the second approach, a witness observed that the nose landing gear appeared damaged and bent backwards. Following touchdown, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to flip inverted.
Injuries and Damage
The sole occupant, the student pilot, reported no injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear and was inverted on the runway.
Witness and Instructor Observations
The instructor noted that the initial approach for the first landing appeared satisfactory. A ground witness saw the aircraft before the second landing and reported the nose landing gear was visibly bent backwards. The instructor had previously flown a circuit with the student and found his performance satisfactory, including an approach and landing.