Accident Overview
On 12 October 2009 at 0925 UTC, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk, registration G-UFCG, sustained damage during a landing at Newtownards Aerodrome, Belfast. The aircraft was on a training flight, with a student pilot as the sole occupant. The pilot held a student licence and had accumulated 44 hours total flying experience, including 8 hours on the Cessna 172 type. The weather was described as good, with wind reported less than 5 knots.
Sequence of Events
Following a dual check circuit and landing assessed as good by his instructor, the student pilot commenced his first solo cross-country exercise. Upon returning to the Newtownards circuit, the pilot reported that, after a shorter-than-usual base leg, he was too high on finals and chose to lose height with the engine at minimum power rather than performing a go-around. The aircraft touched down on the main wheels near the runway numbers, resulting in a bounce—a situation the student had not previously experienced. The aircraft began to oscillate in pitch, initially nose-down. A second, harder touchdown also resulted in a bounce. The pilot considered going around but elected not to due to concern about low airspeed. Further pitch oscillations ensued before he brought the aircraft under control, slowed to a stop, and backtracked Runway 22 to the apron.
Damage and Injuries
An inspection on the apron revealed damage to the propeller tips, firewall, and some distortion to the cockpit floor. No injuries were reported among the crew.
Investigation
The information was derived from an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. The student’s instructor, who observed the landing, considered that the student’s initial flare had not arrested the rate of descent completely, resulting in an early touchdown and the first bounce.