Incident Overview
On 25 July 2009, at 0928 UTC, a Cessna 172P Skyhawk, registration G-BOJR, sustained damage during a landing at Kemble Airport, Gloucestershire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1982 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D2J piston engine, was conducting a private flight with one pilot and two passengers. No injuries were reported among the occupants.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while approaching Runway 26, the aircraft began to descend with "more of a sink than usual" shortly before touchdown. Believing he could arrest the descent, the pilot continued the approach. However, the aircraft landed heavily, causing the nose landing gear to collapse and the firewall to be pushed back. Despite the damage, the pilot was able to taxi the aircraft clear of the runway.
Pilot Experience
The commander, aged 72, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 243 flying hours, with 12 hours on the Cessna 172 type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 4 hours, with 3 hours in the last 28 days.
Assessment
Both passengers, who were licensed pilots, commented on the landing. Based on their observations and the pilot's account, the Chief Flying Instructor of the operating flying school concluded that the heavy landing occurred because the aircraft lost flying speed at too great a height above the runway. The pilot subsequently undertook additional training to reinforce proper technique for controlling the aircraft in such situations.