History of the Flight
On 23 April 2005, a student pilot was conducting her first solo flight in a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk (registration G-LFSM) at Liverpool Airport, Merseyside. She had previously completed four satisfactory landings with her instructor, who deemed her ready for solo flight given suitable wind conditions. After the instructor vacated the aircraft, the student began her first solo circuit and landing.
During the landing flare, the student reduced engine power to idle but did not apply rearward pressure on the yoke to flare the aircraft. The aircraft touched down hard, causing the nose landing gear oleo to compress heavily and the propeller tips to strike the runway. After the landing rollout, the student experienced significant difficulty taxiing to the apron.
Engineering Investigation
Engineering inspection revealed that the nose landing gear oleo had lost gas pressure and was leaking oil. The leg had also separated from the main steering yoke. The engine was removed for a shock load inspection, and the airframe underwent a full heavy landing inspection.
Safety Action
As a safety measure, the student pilot was scheduled for additional training with the Chief Flying Instructor until she was considered ready for further solo circuit flying.