Incident Summary
On 31 July 2010, at 10:30 UTC, a Cessna F152, registration CS-AYG, operated by OMNI – Aviação e Tecnologia, Lda., was conducting touch-and-go circuits at Tires Aerodrome, Cascais, Portugal. The aircraft was piloted by a 29-year-old Portuguese female student pilot with a total flight time of 25 hours and 35 minutes, all on the same aircraft type. This was her first solo flight after being released for solo by her instructor, who had observed her perform three flawless circuits during the preceding 90 minutes of dual instruction.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a Cessna F152 built by Reims Aviation in 1979 (MSN 1573), was powered by a Lycoming O-235-L2C engine (manufactured 2005) and fitted with a Sensenich two-blade fixed-pitch propeller (manufactured 2007). It had a maximum takeoff mass of 758 kg and valid documentation, including compliance with the approved maintenance program. The student pilot held a valid ATPL(A) Student Authorization and a valid medical certificate with no restrictions.
Narrative
After completing a normal first circuit and touch-and-go landing, the student pilot initiated a second approach to Runway 17. The flare was executed too late, causing the nose gear to strike the runway first, followed by the propeller impact with the asphalt. The aircraft then experienced two bounces. The student pilot elected to apply takeoff power to go around but immediately noticed insufficient climb performance due to the propeller damage. She contacted the tower, declared an emergency, and performed a landing without further incident, despite significant deformation of the nose gear and engine mount structure. The aircraft was then taxied to parking. No injuries were reported, and no third-party damage occurred; only negligible propeller marks were left on the runway.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time was conducive to the training flight: wind calm (340/03 kt), visibility greater than 10 km, clear sky, temperature 25 °C, and QNH 1023 hPa.
Conclusion
The incident was caused by the initial contact of the nose gear and propeller with the runway after bounces. A contributing factor was the late execution of the flare.