History of the Flight
On 11 April 2014, a Cessna 152 (registration G-BIDH) was being operated on a solo training flight at Beverley (Linley Hill) Aerodrome, Yorkshire. The pilot, a student with 23 hours total flying experience, all on type, had completed two satisfactory dual circuits and a pair of solo circuits. During the first of a second pair of solo circuits, the instructor observed the student fly the correct pattern. The pilot radioed to confirm the flap setting and was advised to select either 20° or 30° according to his judgment.
On approach, the pilot flared the aircraft slightly higher than normal. The aircraft touched down and bounced. Following the bounce, the nose dropped and the aircraft descended. Upon impact with the ground, the nose landing gear collapsed.
Damage
The aircraft came to rest on the underside of the engine cowl. The nose landing gear remained attached but bent and twisted beneath the aircraft. The propeller tips were distorted, and structural damage occurred to the engine frame and firewall.
Pilot's Observations
After the accident, the pilot noted that he had selected what he believed to be 20° of flap, but the aircraft was actually set at 30°. He considered that this flap setting, combined with the wind conditions, may have contributed to the high flare as he compensated for the nose-down attitude. He also acknowledged that he did not recognize the high flare and, having no prior experience of a poor landing, failed to identify the deteriorating situation. After the bounce, he felt he was losing control and did not attempt a go-around as instructed; instead, he lowered the nose to land, creating an excessive rate of descent onto the nose gear.
Cause
The accident was caused by mishandling after the bounce on touchdown.