Nose gear collapse during landing at Elmsett Airfield

Casualties unknown • Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, GB

A Cessna F150M experienced a nose landing gear failure following multiple bounces during a landing attempt at a grass airfield in Suffolk.

What happened

On 8 May 1998, a Cessna F150M, registration G-FFEN, was conducting a private flight at Elmsett Airfield in Suffolk. The pilot intended to perform practice circuits using Runway 05, which is a grass runway featuring a 2.17% uphill gradient. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were excellent, with a light wind of 5-10 knots from 160 degrees.

Following several successful circuits and full-stop landings, the pilot attempted a final landing. During the touchdown phase, the aircraft bounced on the surface at least twice. Following these bounces, the aircraft came to a halt in a nose-down position after the nose landing gear collapsed.

Probable cause

The nose landing gear collapsed following a series of bounces during the landing phase on a grass runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-08 CESSNA F150M accident near Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, GB?

A Cessna F150M experienced a nose landing gear failure following multiple bounces during a landing attempt at a grass airfield in Suffolk.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-08 involved a CESSNA F150M, registration G-FFEN, at Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The nose landing gear collapsed following a series of bounces during the landing phase on a grass runway.

Loading the flight search…