What happened
On 12 October 2009, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk, registration G-UFCG, was conducting a solo cross-country training exercise at Newtownards Aerodrome, Belfast. The weather conditions were favorable, with winds reported at less than 5 knots.
During the approach, the student pilot noted that the base leg was shorter than usual. This resulted in the aircraft being too high on final approach. Rather than performing a go-around, the pilot attempted to lose altitude by reducing the engine to minimum power. This maneuver led to an early touchdown on the main wheels near the runway numbers.
Upon landing, the aircraft bounced. This second, more forceful impact caused the aircraft to enter a series of pitch oscillations. The pilot eventually regained control of the aircraft, slowed to a stop, and returned to the apron.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. An inspection of the aircraft following the event revealed damage to the propeller tips, the firewall, and some distortion to the cockpit floor.
An instructor who had been observing the landing noted that the student's initial flare failed to sufficiently arrest the descent rate, which contributed to the first bounce. The investigation also noted that the student pilot had relatively limited experience, with only 44 total flying hours and 8 hours on this specific type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's decision to attempt to lose height via power reduction rather than executing a go-around when high on final approach.
- The initial flare was insufficient to arrest the aircraft's descent rate, leading to an early touchdown.
- The subsequent bounce and resulting pitch oscillations caused structural damage to the Cessna 172S Skyhawk, specifically affecting the propeller, firewall, and cockpit floor.