Incident
On 3 May 1999 at 1740 UTC, a Cessna 172N, registered G-GYAV, experienced a hard landing at Caernarfon Airport, Gwynedd, resulting in minor damage to the rear fuselage and firewall. The aircraft sustained a propeller and tail strike on the runway. No injuries were reported among the single pilot and two passengers.
Background
The aircraft, manufactured in 1979, was equipped with one Lycoming O-320-H2AD piston engine. The pilot, aged 53, held a Private Pilot's Licence with total flying experience of 146 hours, including 13 hours on type. He had flown 4 hours in the previous 90 days and 3 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Liverpool with Caernarfon as its destination. The pilot intended to perform a right-hand circuit for landing on Runway 26, which has a landing distance available of 820 metres. Weather conditions were fine with a surface wind from 050° at 5 knots. During the initial approach, the pilot found the aircraft too high and executed a go-around from 100 feet.
On the second approach, flown with 30° of flap, the aircraft floated and touched down heavily, bouncing twice. During the second bounce, the propeller and tail struck the runway. The pilot responded by applying full power and conducting a precautionary low-level circuit. With guidance from Caernarfon Radio, he then flew a wider circuit at normal altitude and landed without further incident.
Pilot Comments
The pilot later noted that he should have applied power and initiated a go-around earlier, which would have prevented the more severe second bounce.