Incident Overview
On 5 November 2009, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-BCJN, operated under a training flight at Bristol International Airport. The aircraft was a 1974 model powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E3D piston engine. The sole occupant was a 48-year-old student pilot with 38 hours of flying experience, including 33 hours on type. The flight was a first solo navigation exercise.
Flight Sequence
Upon returning to the airfield, the pilot reported that his airspeed on final approach was too high, causing the aircraft to bounce first on the main landing gear and then on the nose gear. The pilot initiated a go-around and completed a circuit before attempting a second approach. This approach was low and fast, resulting in several bounces, after which the pilot again rejected the landing. The pilot's instructor then contacted the air traffic controller by telephone and relayed advice to the student. A third approach was also rejected. Following the instructor's intervention, air traffic control provided continuous instructions to the pilot, who subsequently managed to land safely.
Damage and Outcome
The sequence of bounced landings caused structural damage to the aircraft, including both propeller tips, the nose gear axle, and the torque link bumper block. The pilot was uninjured. It was considered unlikely that the damage incurred had any significant effect on the aircraft's performance during the repeated go-arounds.