What happened
On 16 January 2004, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk, registration G-UFCG, was involved in a landing incident at Newtownards Airfield, Northern Ireland. The aircraft was being operated for training purposes by a pilot under training. Earlier that day, the pilot had completed two dual flights with an instructor, performing circuit work and crosswind landings.
Following a short break, the pilot commenced his first solo flight in this specific aircraft type. While the initial circuit and a subsequent go-around were completed without issue, difficulties arose during the final approach. As the pilot attempted to flare the aircraft for landing, the plane made heavy contact with the runway and bounced back into the air. This triggered a series of three or four additional bounces. During the sequence, the nose-wheel made heavy contact with the runway surface, eventually allowing the pilot to regain control and bring the aircraft to a stop.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the aircraft for structural damage and reviewed the flight sequence. The inspection revealed that the heavy nose-wheel impact had caused a crease in the engine firewall where the nose leg is attached. Additionally, the underside of the forward fuselage exhibited wrinkling in the skin.
Findings
- The pilot was relatively inexperienced in this specific aircraft type, having only 14 hours of experience on the Cessna 172S Skyhawk.
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's overreaction to the initial bounce during the landing flare.