Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172P Skyhawk, registration G-NWFC, manufactured in 1985 (serial number 172-76305). It was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D2J piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 49 years old. He had accumulated 387 flying hours, of which 161 hours were on the Cessna 172 type. His recent flying experience included 11 hours in the last 90 days and 4 hours in the last 28 days. There was one passenger on board.
Accident Details
On 10 July 2016 at 1535 UTC, the aircraft was on final approach to Runway 30 at North Weald Airfield, Essex. The approach was flown at 65 knots indicated airspeed with 20° of flap selected. The pilot reported that the wind was from 200° at 20 knots. The approach was normal until, during the flare, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind. The aircraft then "dropped suddenly" onto the runway, bounced back into the air, and then settled back onto the runway before coming to a halt.
Post-Accident Actions
Suspecting that the nose landing gear might have been damaged during the landing, the pilot shut down the engine on the runway and requested assistance to move the aircraft.
Damage Assessment
Inspection revealed that the nose landing gear fork was bent, and there was damage to the firewall and lower fuselage skin. Neither the pilot nor the passenger reported any injuries.
Information Source
This information was derived from the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot, as published in the AAIB Bulletin 11/2016 (EW/G2016/07/18).