What happened
On 24 January 2004, a Cessna 152, registration G-BPTU, was performing a private flight when it experienced a landing incident at Cranfield Airport, Bedfordshire. After completing a local flight, the pilot joined the left-hand circuit to land on Runway 22. The weather conditions were favorable, with a surface wind of 270°/15 kt.
The aircraft approached the runway on a stable path, configured with landing flaps, at a speed between 70 and 75 KIAS. The pilot's intention was to perform a long landing. The aircraft initially made contact with the main landing gear but immediately bounced back into the air. During the second touchdown, the aircraft hit the runway with greater force and a flatter attitude, potentially impacting the nose landing gear first. This impact caused the nose gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the runway surface. The aircraft came to a halt on the runway, approximately 20° left of the centerline. While the pilot was uninjured, the passenger sustained a minor injury, likely consistent with whiplash.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the aircraft's configuration during the approach. Discussions were also held with the owner and operator of the flying school involved.