Accident Details
On 24 September 2009 at 1052 UTC, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk (registration G-BOMO) sustained damage during a solo training flight at Swansea Airport. The aircraft was manufactured in 1981 and powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The sole occupant, a 56-year-old student pilot with 59 hours of total flying experience (20 hours on type), was conducting a consolidation circuit.
Sequence of Events
During the approach, the aircraft was higher than planned. The pilot executed an S-turn on final approach to maintain separation from the aircraft ahead, which destabilised the approach. The pilot reduced power to steepen the glide angle, but the aircraft still passed over the runway threshold too high. The aircraft touched down heavily and bounced. Power was reapplied but failed to prevent a further heavy bounce. On the third touchdown, the nosewheel collapsed, and the aircraft skidded to a halt at the edge of the runway.
Damage and Injuries
The front of the fuselage, engine, propeller, and nosewheel were damaged. The pilot reported no injuries.
Pilot's Assessment
In retrospect, the pilot considered that insufficient power had been applied to recover the landing after the initial bounce.