Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172S Skyhawk, registration G-UFCE, manufactured in 2003. It was powered by a single Lycoming IO-360-L2A piston engine. The flight was a training sortie with one pilot and two passengers on board. The pilot, aged 61, held a Commercial Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 2,000 flying hours, with 213 hours on type. In the 90 days prior, he had flown 46 hours, and 18 hours in the last 28 days.
Accident Summary
On 26 October 2008 at 1430 UTC, the aircraft landed at Newtownards, Northern Ireland, in gusty conditions. Immediately after the first touchdown, the aircraft became airborne again. The subsequent touchdown was heavy, resulting in the nose landing gear tyre bursting and the propeller striking the ground. Examination after the event revealed damage to the lower forward fuselage and the engine firewall.
Injuries and Damage
None of the three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—were injured. The aircraft sustained a propeller strike, damage to the engine firewall, and damage to the forward fuselage.
Information Source
This report is based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.