Incident Overview
On 26 June 2011 at 1207 UTC, a Cessna 152, registration G-BSZO, was involved in an accident at Southend Airport, Essex. The aircraft was being used for a training flight. The pilot, a 48-year-old student with 22 hours total flying experience (all on type), had previously completed three dual circuits with an instructor to a good standard. The instructor then disembarked, briefing the student to carry out three solo circuits.
Sequence of Events
The first two solo circuits were performed successfully. During the third circuit, the touchdown was fairly heavy and the aircraft bounced. On the second touchdown, the aircraft bounced again. On the third touchdown, the nosewheel collapsed, allowing the nose and left wingtip to strike the ground. The aircraft sustained damage to the nosewheel, propeller, and left wingtip. No injuries were reported.
Pilot Comments
The student pilot stated that he should have gone around after the first bounce but, after the second bounce, it was too late.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 1977 Cessna 152 with one Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine.