Aircraft and Pilot Information
The accident involved a Cessna 150M, registration G-BTGP, manufactured in 1976. It was powered by a single Continental Motors O-200-A piston engine. The aircraft was being used for a training flight. The pilot, a 61-year-old student, held a student pilot licence and had logged 44 flying hours, all on the same type. In the preceding 90 days he had flown 14 hours, and 6 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight History
The pilot was on the second leg of a qualifying cross-country flight required for his Private Pilot Licence, traveling from Gloucester to Leicester. Upon arrival at Leicester Airport, he joined the traffic circuit for Runway 28.
Accident Sequence
Due to his inexperience, the pilot conducted the approach with excessive height and speed. Instead of initiating a go-around, he continued the landing attempt. The aircraft touched down on the nose landing gear about halfway down the runway. The nose gear then collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the runway surface. In response, the pilot advanced the throttle to attempt a takeoff, but the aircraft failed to become airborne. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft travel the remaining length of the runway on its propeller and nose wheel, then turn left at the runway end and come to rest in a field beyond.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft suffered damage to the front fuselage, engine, nose landing gear, and both wings.