Accident Details
On 19 November 2003 at 1115 hours UTC, a privately operated Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BHDR, was involved in an accident at Perth Airfield, Tayside. The aircraft was on a visual approach to asphalt Runway 21.
Sequence of Events
The pilot conducted a visual approach that was slightly faster than normal. Upon selecting idle power over the threshold, he misjudged the touchdown point, resulting in a heavy landing. The aircraft bounced, and the pilot inadvertently allowed the nose to drop. Although he applied go-around power, he was unable to prevent the aircraft from striking the ground a second time, nose wheel first. The nose landing gear collapsed, the propeller struck the ground, and the aircraft skidded off the runway, coming to rest on the grass.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Reims Cessna F152, was manufactured in 1980 and powered by one Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, was 57 years old, and had accumulated 89 hours of total flying experience, of which 82 hours were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 4 hours, with none in the last 28 days. The pilot was the sole occupant and was wearing a lap and diagonal seat belt; he was uninjured.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller and nose wheel, and the engine was shock loaded.
Investigation
The aircraft owner submitted an Aircraft Accident Report form to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The investigation noted the pilot's faster-than-normal approach and misjudged touchdown leading to the heavy landing and subsequent nose gear collapse.