Accident Overview
On 23 March 2011 at 1136 UTC, a Cessna 152 (registration G-BTGX) operated by a student pilot on a training flight was involved in an accident during landing at Shoreham Airport, West Sussex. The aircraft, manufactured in 1984 and powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine, sustained damage to the propeller and nosewheel. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot, aged 52 with a total flying experience of 80 hours (10 hours on type), was conducting a qualifying cross-country flight. On final approach in benign weather conditions, the aircraft was slightly high, prompting the pilot to reduce power. He considered the flare to be normal but recalled a firm touchdown, which caused the aircraft to bounce. The pilot attempted to correct the bounce, but the aircraft impacted the ground heavily, resulting in the nosewheel collapsing and the propeller striking the runway.
Pilot's Submission
In his submission to the AAIB, the pilot reported that he had misinterpreted paperwork relating to his medical assessment and was not in actual possession of a current medical certificate at the time of the accident. He noted that had he applied full power after the bounce and performed a go-around, the accident could have been avoided, and attributed his decision to continue the landing to inexperience.
Regulatory Context
Guidance material in LASORS (a CAA publication detailing essential licensing requirements) states that a student pilot must hold a valid Medical Certificate or Medical Declaration before being permitted to fly solo.