Accident
On 20 August 2015 at 1650 UTC, a Cessna 172N Skyhawk (registration G-OSII, serial number 172-67768, year 1976) was conducting a private flight with one pilot and two passengers. The pilot, aged 68, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 272 total flying hours, of which 185 were on type. He had flown 5 hours in the last 90 days and 3 hours in the last 28 days.
The final approach to the grass Runway 27L at Andrewsfield Aerodrome, Essex, was stable at an airspeed of 65 to 70 kt with 20° of flap set. The aircraft crossed the threshold at 65 kt but flared "a little high", landing hard and flat. The cast yoke at the bottom of the nose landing gear oleo fractured, causing the nose to drop and the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft came to rest with the engine cowling in contact with the runway.
Injuries and Damage
All three occupants exited the aircraft without injury using the doors, which opened normally. The aerodrome emergency services arrived quickly. The nose landing gear and propeller were damaged.
Probable Cause
The pilot assessed the cause of the accident as flaring too high, resulting in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172N Skyhawk powered by one Lycoming O-320-H2AD piston engine. It was manufactured in 1976 with serial number 172-67768. The flight was classified as private.