What happened
On 30 July 2003, a Cessna 172P Skyhawk, registration G-BYET, was performing a private solo flight at Redhill Aerodrome. After being offered a straight-in approach to Runway 26R by Air Traffic Control, the pilot lined up with the runway and configured the flaps for landing. During the maneuver, the pilot realized the aircraft had descended below the standard circuit height. In an attempt to correct the glidepath, the pilot applied a higher than usual power setting.
As the aircraft approached the runway threshold, the pilot increased power further to avoid an undershoot. The aircraft touched down just beyond the identification numbers and bounced. This initial contact led to a series of increasingly severe bounces accompanied by significant pitching motions. During the penultimate bounce, the tower controller observed the nose wheel bending backward and subsequently collapsing upon the next contact with the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a stop after the propeller struck the ground, causing the engine to stop. While no injuries were reported, the impact caused a fuel spill, which was managed by the airfield fire service.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight profile and the pilot's actions during the final approach. It was established that the pilot's use of excessive power to correct a low altitude resulted in an approach speed that was too high for a normal touchdown. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's situational awareness, noting that the pilot had become fixated on the touchdown point during the latter stages of the approach.
Analysis also revealed that the pilot had previously experienced two abandoned landings due to bouncing, yet on this occasion, the pilot failed to recognize the escalating severity of the bounces. Instead of initiating a go-around, the pilot attempted to maintain control at idle power.
Findings
- The pilot's fixation on the touchdown point likely caused a loss of peripheral reference, making it difficult to judge the severity of the bounces.
- The pilot exceeded the appropriate touchdown speed due to applying excessive power to correct a low glidepath.
- The pilot failed to initiate a go-around despite the increasing severity of the aircraft's bounces.