What happened
On 6 April 1998, a Cessna 150B, registration G-ARZX, was conducting a private flight at Kent International Airport (Manston). The pilot was performing practice circuits and landings using the grass runway designated as Runway 24. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km and a surface wind of 230 degrees at 15 knots.
While the initial circuit and landing were completed without issue, a problem occurred during the attempt to land from the second circuit. The aircraft bounced upon contact with the main wheels and subsequently struck the ground with significant force on the nosewheel. This impact caused the nosewheel to collapse.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inspection of the aircraft revealed that the engine had been shock loaded, and both the propeller and the nosewheel sustained damage as a result of the heavy impact. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft via the side door, and the airport fire crew arrived at the scene while the pilot was vacating the cockpit. No injuries were reported following the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a heavy landing following a bounce on the main wheels.
- The impact resulted in the collapse of the nosewheel and subsequent damage to the engine, propeller, and nosewheel assembly.