What happened
On February 10, 2008, a Cessna 172P, registration PH-LFA, was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Lelystad to Midden-Zeeland Airport. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and three passengers, was performing a landing on runway 09. During the approach, the pilot realized late in the maneuver that an alternative approach procedure was required to avoid noise-sensitive areas west of the airfield.
In an attempt to adjust the flight path, the pilot cut the turn toward the final approach leg unprepared. This resulted in the aircraft being too high on the final leg. To compensate for the altitude, the pilot lowered the aircraft's nose, which caused the airspeed to increase. As the aircraft reached the runway, the nose wheel contacted the surface at approximately 65 knots, leading to a series of bounces. The impact was severe enough to cause the nose gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the ground.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the pilot's written statement, reports from the National Police Aviation Service, and weather data from the KNMI. Investigators examined the flight path, the specific circuit procedures for runway 09, and the aircraft's configuration during the final moments of the flight. The investigation established that the pilot had attempted to modify the approach pattern while already on the base leg, which disrupted the stabilized descent.
Findings
- The pilot made a late decision to implement the alternative approach procedure, which left insufficient time to stabilize the descent.
- The aircraft was significantly high on the final approach leg due to the unprepared turn.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the altitude by lowering the nose resulted in excessive airspeed.
- The landing was characterized by a high-speed nose wheel contact and subsequent bouncing, leading to heavy damage to the aircraft, including a broken nose gear and propeller damage.