Flight Details
On 4 June 2010, a Cessna 152 (registration G-FIFO, year of manufacture 1981) operated on a private flight from Popham Airfield to Chichester (Goodwood) Airfield and back. The aircraft was powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The pilot, aged 53, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 125 total flying hours, including 80 on type. The weather was good with light and variable wind, and cloud and visibility were satisfactory.
Accident Sequence
After returning to Popham, the pilot conducted an overhead rejoin for a left-hand circuit to Runway 08. On the downwind leg, 10° of flap was selected, with an additional 10° on the base leg. The approach was normal, with landing flap extended and an approach speed of 65 kt IAS. Wind conditions were light and variable. Just prior to landing, the pilot detected a tailwind component and the aircraft touched down in a flat attitude, accompanied by a loud bang that was both heard and felt by the pilot. This resulted in damage to the nose landing gear.
The pilot initiated a go-around but discovered that nosewheel steering was not functioning properly, impairing directional control. He then closed the throttle and, as speed decreased, elected to enter long grass to his right to avoid buildings and parked aircraft on the left. Before the aircraft came to a stop, the long grass caused it to pitch over onto its back.
Aftermath
The pilot isolated the electrical and fuel systems and exited the aircraft through the normal door. The airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Service attended, but no fire occurred. The pilot sustained minor injuries. Damage included the nose landing gear, fuselage, wingtips, and tail.
Probable Cause
The pilot concluded that the cause of the accident was being caught by an unexpected tailwind component just prior to landing. This resulted in damage to the nose landing gear causing him reduced directional control. Additional damage resulted from the effects of the long grass.