What happened
On 3 July 2000, a Cessna 152, registration G-BOTB, was performing a private flight at Stapleford Aerodrome, Essex. While completing a left-hand circuit to land on Runway 22 Left, the aircraft experienced a bounce upon initial touchdown. The aircraft subsequently bounced two additional times. During the final impact, the nosewheel struck the ground with enough force to cause it to collapse.
Following the collapse, the pilot observed smoke and flames emerging from the area beneath the engine. Although the pilot evacuated the cockpit immediately, a fire developed under the aircraft. Despite the rapid response of the aerodrome fire crew, the aircraft was destroyed by the resulting flames.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical failure of the landing gear. It was determined that the collapse of the noseleg caused a fuel line to sever. This led to fuel pooling underneath the engine, which then ignited.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's flying experience and the conditions at the time of the accident. The weather was characterized by calm surface winds and good visibility. The pilot noted that the approach speed on final was excessive, which contributed to the initial bounce. Furthermore, the pilot's recent flying experience had been primarily on the Cessna 150, rather than the 152 involved in the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing instability was excessive speed on final approach.
- The pilot's limited experience on the specific aircraft type, particularly under low-weight conditions, contributed to the inability to control the subsequent bounces.
- The fire was triggered by a severed fuel line caused by the impact of the nosewheel collapse.
- The pilot vacated the aircraft promptly but did not switch off all electrical services prior to exiting.