Accident Overview
On 30 July 2015 at 1000 hrs, a Cessna F172H Skyhawk (registration G-BGIU, serial no. 620) sustained damage during a landing at Perranporth Airfield, Cornwall. The aircraft was powered by a single Continental Motors Corp O-300-D piston engine and was manufactured in 1969.
Flight Details
The flight was private, with one pilot and one passenger on board. The commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence and was 79 years old, with 651 hours total flying experience (153 hours on type). His recent flying included 3 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
After a local flight, the pilot positioned the aircraft for a left-hand circuit for Runway 05 at Perranporth Airfield. The aircraft had 20° of flap selected and the elevator trim set for 70 kt. During the final approach, the pilot realized he was overshooting and too fast. He lowered the nose, then rounded out too high. The aircraft lost flying speed and made a bounced landing. Following the bounce, the pilot lowered the nose too far, causing the nosewheel to strike the runway.
Damage and Injuries
Subsequent inspection revealed rippling damage to the fuselage footwell floor. Neither the pilot nor the passenger reported any injuries.
Information Source
This report is based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot to the AAIB.