What happened
On 9 May 2009, a Cessna 152, registration G-BNUS, was performing a private flight when it experienced a landing accident at Clact and Airfield, Essex. During the arrival on grass Runway 18, the pilot attempted to hold the nose landing gear off the surface due to the perceived roughness of the runway. As the pilot lowered the nosewheel, the aircraft crossed a public footpath located 180 m from the threshold. Upon touchdown, the pilot heard a loud thump, and the nose of the aircraft dropped as the nose landing gear failed. The aircraft came to a halt, and although the nose, propeller, and firewall sustained damage, the pilot and passenger were uninjured and able to exit the aircraft safely.
The investigation
Following the incident, the AAIB conducted an inquiry using the pilot's accident report and reports from the airfield manager. An inspection of the runway performed the following morning by the airfield operator revealed ground marks consistent with the accident. These marks began 10 m before a public footpath and continued for 38 m until all three landing gear had contacted the runway. The presence of scuffing marks from the nose gear and the propeller indicated that the gear had partially collapsed during the landing sequence. The investigation also confirmed that the airfield was licensed and that the runway surface was maintained appropriately.