What happened
On 25 July 2009, a Cessna 172P Skyhawk, registered G-BOJR, was performing a private flight at Kemble Airport in Gloucestershire. As the aircraft approached Runway 26 for landing, the pilot observed the aircraft beginning to descend with a rate of sink significantly greater than usual. Despite attempts to arrest this descent, the aircraft made a heavy impact with the runway surface.
The force of the landing caused the nosewheel to collapse and resulted in the firewall being pushed back. Following the impact, the pilot successfully taxied the aircraft away from the active runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. During the process, the investigation reviewed statements from the passengers, both of whom were experienced pilots and held flight licences. The Chief Flying Instructor of the flying school that operated the aircraft also provided input regarding the incident.
Findings
It was established that the heavy landing occurred because the aircraft lost sufficient flying speed while still at an excessive height above the runway. This loss of airspeed prevented the pilot from maintaining the necessary glide path, leading to the uncontrolled descent and subsequent structural damage to the landing gear and engine compartment.