What happened
On 14 June, a Cessna 152, registration G-BNMC, was conducting a private training flight at Derby Airfield. The flight was intended to help a student pilot revise circuit procedures in preparation for an upcoming general flight test. At the time of the incident, the instructor and student were performing low-level circuits under overcast conditions, with visibility between 5 and 6 km and winds of 320 degrees at 6 knots.
During the session, the student was tasked with performing a low-level bad weather circuit, targeting a landing on Runway 23. As the aircraft approached the final approach, it entered a rain shower which reduced visibility. Due to the changing conditions, the instructor briefly took control of the aircraft to ensure it remained properly aligned with the runway centerline.
Despite efforts by the instructor to manage the situation, the student's touchdown occurred later than usual. The aircraft subsequently overran the end of the runway and struck a boundary fence. The impact caused minor damage to the tailplane, the nose landing gear, and the aft fuselage. Both occupants, who were wearing appropriate seat belts, exited the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the approach, noting the impact of the rain shower on visibility and the subsequent late touchdown. The assessment focused on the transition of control between the instructor and the student during the final stages of the landing.