Introduction
On 3 July 2000 at 1045 UTC, a Cessna 152 (registration G-BOTB) was destroyed by fire following a bounced landing at Stapleford Aerodrome, Essex. The aircraft, manufactured in 1983 and powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine, was being operated on a private flight with only the pilot on board. The pilot, aged 50, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 84 hours of flying experience, all on Cessna 150/152 aircraft, including 7 hours in the previous 90 days and 7 hours in the previous 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting a left-hand circuit approach to Runway 22 Left. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. Before the pilot could take corrective action, two further bounces occurred. During the final landing, the nosewheel impacted the ground hard and collapsed. As the aircraft came to rest, the pilot observed flames and smoke emanating from beneath the engine. She promptly vacated the cockpit. The aerodrome fire crew arrived quickly, but the aircraft was destroyed by the fire.
Pilot Comments
At the time of the accident, visibility was good and the surface wind was calm. The pilot assessed that she had maintained excessive speed on final approach, which led to the initial bounce. She noted that all her previous flying experience had been on the Cessna 150 model, and that her inexperience on the Cessna 152, particularly at low weight and in calm conditions, contributed to both the initial bounce and her inability to control the subsequent manoeuvres.
Aerodrome Findings
According to the aerodrome authorities, the fire likely resulted from a severed fuel line following the collapse of the nose landing gear. Fuel pooled under the engine and subsequently ignited. The pilot vacated the aircraft promptly due to the fire and smoke, but she did not switch off all electrical services before exiting.
Information Source
This report is based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).