What happened
On 6 July 2003, a Cessna 172M Skyhawk, registration G-DRBG, was conducting a private flight and returning to the civilian flying club at RAF Henlow for refueling. During the final stages of a straight-in approach to the grass runway, the aircraft was noted to be higher and faster than typical for the conditions.
As the aircraft approached the threshold, the pilot applied 30 degrees of flaps to correct the high approach. Despite closing the throttle, the aircraft maintained an airspeed of approximately 70 mph. The initial touchdown resulted in a bounce, and the pilot attempted to settle the aircraft through a subsequent bounce by pulling back on the control column. However, the aircraft entered a porpoising oscillation between the main and nose landing gear. During this sequence, the nose leg fractured upon contact with the ground, causing the aircraft to come to a rapid halt. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report and gathered statements from witnesses, including an experienced flight instructor who observed the landing from nearby. The investigation established that the aircraft's descent rate became excessive during the final 30 to 40 feet of the approach.
Analysis of the flight path indicated that the aircraft was flying too high and too fast for the short grass runway. The investigation determined that the pilot's attempt to lose height by lowering the nose led to an increase in airspeed. Furthermore, it was established that back pressure was not maintained on the control column during the bounce, which contributed to the unstable oscillation and the subsequent structural failure of the nose gear.