What happened
On 18 December 2003, a Cessna 152, registration G-BOOI, was performing circuit training at Stapleford Aerodrome in Essex to maintain pilot currency. The weather was favorable, characterized by good visibility and calm winds.
During the initial approach on Runway 04L, the pilot was momentarily disoriented by the glare of a low sun. This led to an unstable approach, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around. On the subsequent approach, the aircraft was stabilized at 60 knots and properly configured for landing.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft initially rolled along the grass runway but then experienced a bounce, which may have been triggered by an irregularity in the surface. A second bounce occurred, and in an attempt to maintain control, the pilot moved the control column forward. This action resulted in the nose landing gear touching down first, causing it to collapse. The propeller subsequently struck the ground, resulting in the engine stopping.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the pilot's control inputs following the aircraft's contact with the runway. The inquiry focused on the cause of the bounces and the subsequent impact of the pilot's corrective actions on the aircraft's landing gear integrity.