What happened
On 18 June 2015, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-CGHM, was engaged in a solo training flight at Caernarfon Airport, Gwynedd. The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot under the supervision of an instructor.
During the landing phase, the instructor observed that the approach was characterized by excessive speed and a slightly high glide path. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot failed to apply additional power following this initial contact, leading to a second and then a third bounce. During this sequence of oscillations, the aircraft experienced a propeller strike. Following the strike, the student pilot applied throttle and executed a go-around, eventually completing a successful landing.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the student pilot and the flight instructor. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing attempt and the mechanical impact on the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the nose landing gear, and the engine, which was found to be shock-loaded.
- The primary cause of the propeller strike was the series of bounces following an unstable approach.