What happened
On 9 September 2012, a student pilot was conducting a training flight at Cranfield Airfield in a Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior, registration G-BTNT. The flight was intended to be the student's first solo operation. After completing four visual circuits, the pilot was instructed by Air Traffic Control to shut down the engine on the runway and wait for instructor assistance.
During the approach to Runway 21, the pilot reported a steady and stable final approach at approximately 75 knots, with speed decreasing near the threshold. The weather conditions were fine, with a surface wind of 13 kt from 190°. As the aircraft flared, it made a firm contact with the runway and bounced twice. Following these bounces, the aircraft pitched nose-down. The pilot focused on maintaining wing levelness while unable to arrest the oscillatory motion, eventually bringing the aircraft to a halt. The incident resulted in damage to the propeller and the nose landing gear, though no injuries were sustained.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and an occurrence report from Cranfield ATC. Investigators noted that while the student pilot's approach appeared slightly slower over the threshold than previous circuits, the speed reduction was not excessive. The training organization noted that the weather conditions were considered ideal for a solo flight and that the landing event was unexpected given the student's recent progress.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a firm landing followed by a series of bounces.
- The subsequent nose-down pitch led to damage to the nose landing gear and propeller.
- The student pilot was unable to control the aircraft's oscillations during the landing sequence.