What happened
On 12 November 2009, a Cessna 152, registration G-TALA, was engaged in a private flight for the purpose of flight hour accumulation. The pilot was performing circuit training at Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire. During the flight, the weather conditions worsened, leading the pilot to decide to terminate the training session and land the aircraft.
While operating on Runway 26, the aircraft experienced several bounces during the landing sequence. Following a touch-and-go maneuver, the nose landing gear failed upon touchdown. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, the engine frame, and the noseleg, while the engine itself sustained shock-loading.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the sequence of events leading to the gear failure and examined the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Wind speeds were recorded as being from the south at approximately 8 to 9 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced multiple bounces during the landing phase.
- The nose landing gear collapse occurred during the touchdown following a touch-and-go.
- The impact caused structural damage to the engine components and the landing gear assembly.