What happened
On 5 November 2002, a Cessna 152, registration G-BNKP, was performing solo circuit practice at Clacton Airfield in Essex. The flight was part of a training session for a student pilot, following a successful dual instruction session earlier that day. Weather conditions were favorable, with clear skies and a light wind of 7 knots from the south.
During the second solo landing attempt on the grass Runway 18, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway. As the aircraft progressed across the landing area, it encountered a public footpath that intersects the runway approximately one-third of the way along its length. The edge of this footpath was rutted, and as the aircraft crossed it, the uneven surface caused the plane to bounce back into the air. The aircraft sustained damage upon its subsequent touchdown.
The investigation
The investigation examined the runway conditions and the sequence of the landing. It was noted that the aircraft was operating on a grass runway with a specific landing distance available of 502 metres. The investigation established that the physical state of the footpath crossing played a critical role in the aircraft's loss of control on the ground. The damage to the aircraft included the nose landing gear, the engine bearer, and the firewall.
Findings
- The aircraft veered left of the runway centerline during the landing roll.
- The rutted edge of a public footpath crossing the runway caused the aircraft to bounce during the landing sequence.
- There were no injuries to the student pilot.