What happened
On 23 February 2009, a Cessna 172R Skyhawk, registration G-OPFT, was conducting a training flight at Durham Tees Valley Airport. The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot who was performing their first solo flight following the successful completion of nine previous circuits and landings with an instructor.
During the approach to Runway 23, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway. As the pilot entered the landing flare, the aircraft bounced multiple times. During this sequence, the left mainwheel fairing made contact with a runway edge light, resulting in damage to both the aircraft component and the light itself. The pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft, and the landing was finished without further complications. At the time of the event, the surface wind was recorded at 280 degrees at 7 knots.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the student pilot and additional comments provided by the flight instructor. The inquiry focused on the sequence of the landing attempt and the physical contact with the runway lighting.
Findings
- The student pilot was in the process of their initial solo flight after completing several supervised training sessions.
- The aircraft drifted left during the final stages of the approach.
- The aircraft bounced several times during the landing flare, which led to the impact with the runway edge light.