Incident Overview
On 26 June 2001 at 1530 UTC, a Cessna F172M (registration G-BIIB) operating a private flight from Coventry to Biggin Hill Airport in Kent made an approach to land on Runway 11. The runway measures 816 meters by 24 meters with a 0.45% upslope. The weather was CAVOK with a surface wind of 110°/15 knots.
Pilot Experience
The 54-year-old pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 150 total flying hours, including 18 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days he had flown 11 hours, and 4 hours in the last 28 days.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported being unfamiliar with Runway 11. The pronounced rise in the runway surface along its length led him to flare too high. The aircraft touched down heavily and bounced several times. During the bounce sequence, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear and propeller, with shock loading to the engine.
Outcome
The pilot, who was wearing a lap and diagonal seat belt, vacated the aircraft without injury. No passengers were on board.