What happened
On 17 September 1999, a Cessna 152, registration G-BSFP, was engaged in a training flight at Peterborough (Sibson) Airport in Cambridgeshire. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot as part of a training session that had previously included 55 minutes of dual instruction with an instructor.
Following the dual instruction, the student proceeded to perform solo circuits. While the first four circuits were completed without issue, the pilot initiated a go-around on the fifth approach. A subsequent approach also resulted in a go-around. During the following attempt, the instructor provided radio assistance to the student. Although the pilot performed a standard flare, the aircraft's nose was pushed down toward the runway, causing the aircraft to bounce before making final contact with the ground.
As a result of the landing, the nosewheel leg was displaced and the engine frame was bent. There were no injuries to the student pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the flight instructor. The inquiry focused on the sequence of the solo circuits and the pilot's handling of the final approach. The investigation established that the student pilot had been involved in an extended training session.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the engine frame and nosewheel assembly.
- The pilot had performed multiple go-arounds immediately preceding the incident.
- The primary cause of the landing error was attributed to pilot fatigue and anxiety resulting from an overlong training session and the stress of repeated go-arounds.