Synopsis
On 22 January 2019 at 1129 UTC, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-OLEE, was landing at Fairoaks Airport, Surrey, when it bounced twice and deviated left. The aircraft became inverted after the nosewheel entered soft ground at the side of the runway.
History of the Flight
The pilot had hired the 1980‑built aircraft (serial no. 1797) for circuit practice. Weather was CAVOK with calm wind. After the first circuit, the pilot approached Runway 24 for a touch‑and‑go. Following the landing flare, the main wheels touched down normally but the aircraft bounced and briefly became airborne. A second, more severe bounce occurred; the pilot reported a gust of wind lifted the aircraft, causing it to come down on the left side of the runway. The aircraft landed heavily on its nose gear, partially collapsing it. It then slid toward the runway edge and inverted when the nosewheel entered soft ground. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries and exited with assistance from the airport fire and rescue service.
Discussion
Witnesses in the airport tower reported that no go‑around was attempted after either bounce. The pilot considered selecting full throttle but was unsure of its effectiveness due to substantially reduced airspeed during the second bounce.