What happened
On 11 August 2015, a student pilot was conducting a training flight at Netherthorpe Airfield in Nottinghamshire. After completing a circuit with an instructor, the student was cleared to perform his first solo circuit in a Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat, registration G-PHOR.
Weather conditions at the time, based on forecasts from nearby Doncaster Sheffield Airport, indicated a wind of 280 degrees at 10 knots. During the final approach to the grass runway 24, the instructor observed the aircraft to be stable. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice. Following the second bounce, the aircraft pitched forward, causing the nose landing gear to collapse against the runway surface. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, successfully shut off the fuel and master switches before exiting the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. The impact resulted in damage to the engine, propeller, engine frame, nose gear, and the rear spar of the left wing. The pilot stated that the forward pitch was caused by him leaning onto the control yoke during the second bounce. Additionally, the instructor noted that a go-around should have been initiated after the initial bounce occurred.