History of the Flight
The student pilot, aged 53 with 44 total flying hours, all on type, had completed four satisfactory circuits with his instructor in good weather. The instructor authorised his second solo flight. The first solo circuit was uneventful, but during the second circuit the approach was low and slow.
Accident Details
On 24 May 2009 at 1215 UTC, the Cessna 152 (registration G-BMSU) was on final approach to Sandtoft Airfield, Lincolnshire. The aircraft was low and slow. The student pilot recognised this late in the final approach and increased power to maintain height, but the aircraft landed heavily and bounced. The subsequent landing was on the nose landing gear, which detached, allowing the propeller to strike the runway. The aircraft came to a halt resting on its nose. The student pilot vacated the aircraft uninjured. There was no fire.
Damage
The nose landing gear, propeller, engine, and bulkhead were damaged.
Pilot's Assessment
The student pilot considered that the accident was caused by his approach being too low and too slow. The General Aviation Safety Sense Leaflet Number 1e, 'Good Airmanship Guide', published by the CAA, advises: 'A good landing is the result of a good approach. If your approach is bad, make an early decision and go-around. Don’t try to scrape in.' The student pilot concluded that this should have been his course of action.