Casualties unknown

2006-04-29: Cessna 152 (G-BWEV) — Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset, GB

Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset, GB

On April 29, 2006, a Cessna 152 (registration G-BWEV) was involved in an aviation accident near Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset, GB. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot landed fast and bounced, then attempted to force the aircraft back onto the runway instead of executing a go-around, resulting in a nosewheel landing that collapsed the nose landing gear and caused the propeller to strike the ground. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 1785053200Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 152 training flight ended with a collapsed nose gear and propeller strike when the student pilot attempted to recover from a bounced landing instead of going around.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The accident involved a Cessna 152, registration G-BWEV, powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The aircraft was manufactured in 1979. The flight was a training sortie with only the student pilot on board. The pilot, aged 40, held a student pilot licence and had accumulated 40 flying hours, of which 37 were on the Cessna 152. In the last 90 days, he had flown 13 hours, with 5 hours in the last 28 days.

History of the Flight

On 29 April 2006 at 1055 UTC, the student pilot was conducting a landing approach to Compton Abbas Airfield in Dorset. While on final approach, the aircraft was blown off the runway centreline. The pilot managed to regain the centreline but subsequently failed to monitor the airspeed. The aircraft landed fast and bounced. Instead of initiating a go-around, the pilot attempted to force the aircraft back onto the runway, resulting in a landing on the nosewheel.

Accident Sequence

The nose landing gear immediately collapsed upon impact, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft slid to a halt but remained upright. The pilot was uninjured and vacated the aircraft normally through the left door after shutting down the engine.

Damage

The accident resulted in a collapsed nose landing gear, a damaged propeller, and a shock loaded engine.

Probable cause

The student pilot landed fast and bounced, then attempted to force the aircraft back onto the runway instead of executing a go-around, resulting in a nosewheel landing that collapsed the nose landing gear and caused the propeller to strike the ground.