What happened
On 27 August 2002, a Cessna 152, registration G-BRNK, was conducting a private flight at Netherthorpe airfield in South Yorkshire. During the approach to Runway 06, the pilot maintained a stabilized speed of 65 kt with 30 degrees of flaps selected. As the aircraft crossed the boundary hedge, the throttle was closed.
The aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown near the runway threshold, which led to a subsequent bounce. This impact caused damage to the nose wheel. During the landing rollout, the compromised nose wheel caused the aircraft to veer toward the right. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the direction using differential braking, the right wing of the aircraft struck a parked aircraft and subsequently collided with a wall.
There were two occupants on board, the pilot and one passenger. Both individuals were wearing appropriate seat belts and were able to exit the aircraft without injury. The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear and propeller, and the engine may have sustained shock loading.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The investigators examined the landing conditions, noting good visibility and a light surface wind of 330°/05 kt. The investigation focused on the sequence of the touchdown and the subsequent loss of directional control caused by the mechanical failure of the nose wheel assembly following the heavy impact.