What happened
On 13 June 2009, a Cessna 152, registration G-BRNE, was performing solo training circuits at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. The weather conditions were favorable, with a 7-knot wind originating from 210°.
During the flight, which had lasted approximately 55 minutes, the aircraft experienced a bounce during the landing phase on Runway 18. This movement resulted in a porpoising motion, which ultimately led to the collapse of the nose landing gear and subsequent damage to the propeller.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the physical state of the aircraft. The pilot, a student with 49 total flying hours, reported that the aircraft bounced during the touchdown. The investigation examined the impact of the porpoising motion on the structural integrity of the nose gear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was the porpoising motion following a bounce during landing.
- The student pilot noted that the extended duration of the circuit session may have contributed to fatigue, affecting the execution of the landing.