What happened
On 20 August 2015, a Cessna 172N Skyhawk, registration G-OSII, was performing a private flight at Andrewsfield Aerodrome in Essex. During the final approach to the grass runway 27L, the aircraft was flying at an airspeed between 65 and 70 knots with 20 degrees of flaps extended. While the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 65 knots, the pilot flared the aircraft slightly too high, leading to a hard and flat touchdown.
Upon impact, the cast yoke at the base of the nose landing gear oleo fractured. This structural failure caused the nose of the aircraft to drop abruptly, resulting in the propeller striking the ground. The engine cowling also made contact with the runway surface. All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—exited the aircraft through the doors without sustaining any injuries. The aerodrome emergency services responded to the scene promptly.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical failure of the landing gear. The pilot identified that the primary reason for the impact was an improper flare during the landing phase.