Accident Details
On 9 September 2012 at 1044 UTC, a Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior, registration G-BTNT, was involved in an accident at Cranfield Airfield, Bedfordshire. The aircraft was conducting a training flight, specifically the student pilot's first solo flight. The surface wind was from 190° at 13 kt, runway 21 was in use, and the weather was fine.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1976 (serial number 28-7615401), was powered by one Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine. The pilot, aged 44, held a student pilot license and had 21 hours of flying experience, all on type, with 21 hours in the last 90 days and 10 hours in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot completed four visual circuits with her instructor before being cleared for the first solo flight. She took off and flew a normal circuit, preparing to land. The student described her final approach as steady and stable at about 75 kt, with speed reducing as she approached the runway threshold. She reduced power to idle and started a flare, but the aircraft landed firmly and bounced, pitching nose-down. The student was unable to control the oscillatory motion but concentrated on keeping the wings level until the aircraft came to a stop. She was advised by ATC to shut down on the runway and await assistance.
Observations
ATC reported that the aircraft appeared slightly slower over the threshold than before, but not excessively so. It appeared to land firmly and bounce twice before settling heavily on the runway. The student's training organisation commented that the conditions were ideal for a first solo flight and that the event was entirely unexpected given the student's previous training and progress.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the nose landing gear and propeller. The pilot was not injured.
Probable Cause
The report does not state a probable cause.