Accident Overview
On 28 October 2001 at 1800 UTC, a Reims Cessna F152, registered G-BFSB, was involved in an accident during approach to Tatenhill Airfield in Burton-On-Trent. The aircraft was on a private flight. The sole occupant, a 75-year-old pilot holding a Private Pilot's Licence, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond economic repair.
Flight Details
The pilot departed at dusk to check the airfield lights in preparation for a night revalidation sortie. During the approach to Runway 26, the aircraft descended below the normal approach path. The pilot applied power to correct the descent, but the aircraft touched down short of the runway paved surface, approximately 70 metres before the runway touchdown markers.
Sequence of Events
Upon touching down, the right wheel struck a low earth ledge, causing the wheel to detach from the undercarriage leg. The aircraft continued down the runway on the remaining wheels before veering to the right and coming to rest just off the main runway surface.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had a total flying experience of 383 hours, of which 97 were on the Reims Cessna F152. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 3 hours, and in the last 28 days, 1 hour.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the aircraft landed short of the runway, resulting in the collision with a ledge and subsequent undercarriage failure. No probable cause was stated in the report.