What happened
On 15 September 2007, a student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country training flight from Redhill Aerodrome to Manston in a Cessna 152, registration G-BNRK. Shortly after departing from the grass runway 18, the pilot noticed a potential error with the altimeter. Seeking to verify the QNH setting, the pilot contacted Redhill tower and was granted priority for landing on the same runway.
During the approach, air traffic control noted the aircraft was flying higher than usual. As the pilot prepared to land, full flaps were deployed at 200 feet. The initial touchdown on the grass surface resulted in a slight bounce, causing the aircraft to become airborne again. Upon the second touchdown, the aircraft nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted position. The impact caused a bent propeller and extensive damage to the wings, fuselage, and tail, though there were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the pilot's actions following the initial bounce. The AAIB examined the pilot's decision-making process regarding the suspected altimeter error and the subsequent return to the airfield. The investigation also looked into the mechanical state of the aircraft and the environmental conditions, which were noted as good with light southerly winds.
Findings
- The pilot's primary concern during the flight was the accuracy of the altimeter reading.
- The aircraft experienced a bounce upon its first contact with the runway.
- The pilot may have inadvertently applied the brakes before the second touchdown.
- The pilot reflected that a go-around should have been initiated following the initial bounce rather than attempting to continue the landing sequence.