Accident Details
On 16 August 2015 at 0928 UTC, a Reims Cessna F152 (registration G-BLZH) operated by a student pilot suffered moderate damage after an accident at Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport, West Midlands. The aircraft, manufactured in 1985, was powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The flight was a solo training exercise following a 30-minute dual instructional flight.
Flight History
The student pilot, aged 32 with a total flying experience of 30 hours (including 3 hours on type), had completed a dual flight before being briefed by the instructor to repeat the exercise solo. Runway 34 was in use with generally fine weather and a variable surface wind of 2 kt. The instructor cautioned the student about the lack of headwind for landing and advised modifying the circuit to allow for a possible light tailwind on final approach.
Taking off at 0855 UTC, the student completed the first part of the exercise. On the first final approach, the aircraft floated above the runway without touching down, prompting a go-around. On the second approach, the aircraft again floated; the student believed sufficient runway remained to continue. Upon touchdown, the aircraft landed heavily and bounced. The student applied full power to perform another go-around but lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer left. It came to rest inverted on the grass to the left of the runway.
Outcome
The aircraft sustained moderate damage to the propeller, nose cowl, wingtips, fuselage, and tail surfaces. The cabin structure remained intact, and the student, uninjured, was able to extricate himself through a main door.