What happened
On 24 May 2007, a Cessna 152, registration G-BXWC, was performing circuit flying at Stapleford Airfield, Essex. The aircraft was being operated as part of a private flight training session. During the fifth circuit, the aircraft experienced a bounce approximately 20 feet above the ground, which the pilot attributed to the nosewheel potentially striking an undulation or mound of earth on the grass section of Runway 04R.
Following this initial bounce, the pilot did not initiate a go-around. Instead, the pilot attempted to continue the landing, fearing that a second approach at speed might cause severe damage to the nosewheel. During a second attempt to land, the aircraft bounced again, leading to a loss of control. Upon the third touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the ground and bringing the aircraft to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the condition of the runway surface. The pilot reported that the nosewheel felt as though it had struck a solid object, suggesting a mound of earth on the grass runway. However, the flight school confirmed that no such mound was present, though they noted the possibility of a bump or surface undulation in that area of the runway.