Accident Details
On 8 February 2003 at 1056 UTC, a Reims Cessna F150L (registration G-GBLR) was conducting a private circuit training flight with an instructor and student at Coventry Airport. The aircraft was equipped with a single Continental O-200-A piston engine. The weather conditions were fine with good visibility; the surface wind was from 200° at 9 knots, varying between 160° and 240°.
Flight History
The first circuit and approach was intended as a touch-and-go landing but resulted in a pilot-initiated go-around. The second approach was made with 40° (full) flap. During the final approach and landing phase, the airspeed was allowed to become too slow. The instructor prompted the student several times to correct the situation, but the aircraft continued to fly too slowly. When the aircraft was over the threshold, the student applied a large rudder input in an attempt to compensate for the crosswind. Following this input, one wing dropped and contacted the runway surface. The instructor took over control, and during the recovery action, the opposite wingtip also contacted the runway before the aircraft was brought under control.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to both wing tips, two ribs, and the tailplane.
ATC Response
The aerodrome controller, who was observing the aircraft, noticed it maneuvering erratically before it apparently stalled and dropped the right wing close to the threshold. The controller immediately activated the crash alarm, and the aircraft was met on the taxiway by the aerodrome fire service. Following an inspection, the aircraft was able to continue taxiing to the parking area.
The commander held a Commercial Pilot's Licence, was 31 years old, and had 461 total flying hours (353 on type, with 7 hours in the last 90 days and 5 hours in the last 28 days).