What happened
On 2 June 2014, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight at Southend Airport in a Reims Cessna FA152 Aerobat, registration G-BGAF. Having recently completed several successful dual circuits, the pilot was performing his first solo circuit towards Runway 24.
During the final stage of the approach, the aircraft flared at an excessive height. This resulted in a high rate of descent that was not corrected, causing the aircraft to bounce upon contact with the runway. In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and pulling back on the control yoke. This maneuver caused the aircraft to adopt a nose-high attitude, leading to a drop in the left wing. Consequently, the aircraft struck the grass near the southern edge of Runway 24 while in a left-wing-low position.
The impact caused damage to the propeller, the nose landing gear leg, the fuselage, and both wingtips. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft via the right door.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the sequence of the flight and the pilot's actions during the approach and subsequent go-around attempt. The assessment conducted by the pilot and his instructor suggested that the accident could have been prevented if a go-around had been executed immediately following the initial high flare, rather than attempting to continue after the aircraft had bounced.