What happened
On 19 November 2003, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BHDR, was performing a visual approach to runway 21 at Perth Airfield, Tayside. During the final stages of the approach, the pilot conducted the maneuver at a speed slightly higher than usual. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot reduced the engine to idle power.
This reduction in power led to a misjudged touchdown, resulting in a heavy landing on the asphalt. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce. During this phase, the nose of the aircraft dropped, and despite the pilot's attempt to apply go-around power, the aircraft struck the runway a second time, making contact with the nose wheel first. The force of the impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft subsequently skidded off the runway and came to a halt on the grass. The pilot, who was secured by a lap and diagonal seat belt, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the impact. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the nose wheel, and the engine had been subjected to shock loading. The pilot's flying experience was noted as having 89 total hours, with 82 hours completed on this specific type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a misjudged touchdown following a faster-than-normal approach.
- The pilot's decision to select idle power over the threshold contributed to the loss of control during the landing phase.
- The subsequent nose gear collapse and propeller strike were direct results of the heavy landing and the aircraft's nose dropping after the initial bounce.