What happened
On 10 July 2014, a Cessna 152, registration G-BZWH, was conducting training circuits at Perth Airport, Scotland. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot following a period of instruction with an instructor. After completing several circuits and a break for refueling, the student commenced a second solo circuit.
During the approach, the aircraft experienced a bounce upon touchdown. In an attempt to correct the motion, the pilot pushed the control column forward, which resulted in a second, more significant bounce. The pilot then initiated a go-around procedure by applying power and raising the flaps. During this maneuver, the stall warning horn activated, the aircraft yawed to the left, and the left wing struck the ground. The aircraft then cartwheeled through 360 degrees before coming to a halt. The student pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation noted that the student had expressed reluctance to fly the solo circuit due to a lack of confidence following previous maneuvers. The instructor had encouraged the student to proceed, providing reassurance regarding their performance.
The investigation also looked into the mechanical and aerodynamic factors during the landing phase, specifically the impact of the aircraft's configuration changes during the transition from a bounced landing to a go-around attempt.