What happened
On 15 October 2000, a Piper PA-38-112, registration G-BNHG, was conducting a training flight at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk. The flight was being operated by a student pilot under the direct supervision of a highly experienced instructor. During the approach to Runway 04, conditions were noted as calm.
As the aircraft descended to approximately 4 feet above the runway surface, the student pilot performed an abrupt closure of the throttle. This action caused the aircraft to lose lift and settle onto the runway with significant force, resulting in a bounce. The instructor was unable to take corrective action before the aircraft experienced a heavy landing. This impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, forcing the aircraft to veer off the paved surface to the following left.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inspection of the aircraft revealed damage to the propeller and the nose section of the airframe. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, both of whom were wearing appropriate lap and diagonal upper torso restraints. The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the final moments of the approach and the mechanical failure of the landing gear following the impact.