What happened
On 29 January 2002, a Cessna 150M, registration G-BPAB, was performing a private local flight when it attempted to land on the grass runway at Rayne Hall Farm. The airfield conditions were affected by recent heavy rainfall, which had left the runway surface soft. During the approach, the pilot utilized 30 degrees of flap and maintained a speed slightly higher than usual.
As the aircraft approached the runway, the wind was recorded at approximately 230°/12-15 kt, introducing light to moderate turbulence. The pilot performed a late flare, which led to the aircraft touching down at a higher speed than intended while maintaining a nearly level attitude. As the aircraft rolled along the runway, the nose landing gear began to collapse once the groundspeed had decreased to between 40 and 50 kt. The propeller subsequently made contact with the runway surface. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the centerline, supported by the main wheels and the engine cowling. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators noted the damage sustained to the propeller, the engine cowling, and the nose landing gear mounting frame. The investigation also considered the impact of the airfield's surface condition and the pilot's landing technique.