Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-38-112, registration G-SUKI, manufactured in 1978 and powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The flight was a training sortie conducted on 18 July 2000 at Thruxton Airfield, Hampshire. The pilot, a 61-year-old student with a total of 33 flying hours (21 of which were on type), was the sole occupant.
Sequence of Events
Before the solo flight, the student had successfully completed three circuits with an instructor. He was then tasked with performing solo circuits on asphalt Runway 25, with a surface wind of 270° at 6 knots. His first two solo circuits and landings were observed to be satisfactory.
During the third circuit, the aircraft bounced several times upon landing. After the initial bounce, the student did not apply power to initiate a go-around. The aircraft subsequently touched down heavily on the nosewheel. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, and the propeller struck the ground.
Damage and Injuries
The accident resulted in damage to the nose landing gear (collapsed) and the propeller. No injuries were reported among the crew; no passengers were on board.