Flight Details
On 23 June 2001, a privately operated Cessna 172R (registration G-BXSM) was flown from Northampton (Sywell) airfield to East Midlands International Airport. The pilot, a 44-year-old private license holder with 125 total flying hours (10 on type), intended to land at East Midlands, where she was a member of the local flying school. The reported weather at the destination included a surface wind of 090° at 8 knots, visibility of 20 kilometres, a few clouds at 4,000 feet, and a temperature of +20°C. Runway 09 (2,280 metres long, 46 metres wide, dry concrete) was in use, equipped with PAPIs set to indicate a 3° approach path.
Incident Description
The pilot completed a visual circuit and established the aircraft on finals. She was satisfied that the speed, power setting, and approach path were normal. However, during the flare to land, she did not maintain the landing attitude; the aircraft ballooned, then struck the runway and bounced. She initiated a go-around and commenced another visual circuit. Again, the parameters appeared correct on finals, but the attempted landing resulted in another bounce, prompting another go-around. The pilot then requested assistance from a flying instructor, who directed her to orbit on the downwind leg of a right-hand circuit. The instructor provided guidance over the radio during the subsequent successful approach and landing.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot attributed the accident to her own actions, stating: "The initial problem was that I did not look far enough down the runway to gain perspective.... The hold-off was not maintained and therefore the aircraft ballooned, stick was pushed forward causing bounce."
Damage
The incident resulted in creasing to the cockpit flooring and firewall bulkhead. The pilot sustained no injuries.