What happened
On 16 June 1998, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BHIN, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Coventry Airport to Derby Airfield. The weather during the arrival was favorable, characterized by fine conditions and a light wind from the south.
As the pilot approached Runway 23, which features a grass surface and a threshold displaced by 100 metres, the aircraft touched down on the nosewheel prior to the displaced threshold. This initial contact caused the aircraft to bounce. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot lowered the nose again, resulting in a heavy impact with the ground. This second contact caused the nose leg to collapse.
The investigation
The investigation, initiated following an accident report submitted by the pilot, examined the sequence of the landing and the resulting structural damage. The impact led to extensive damage across several components of the aircraft, including the engine mount, cowlings, propeller, firewall, and forward fuselage, as well as an engine shock load. Emergency services reached the scene promptly to assist the pilot from the wreckage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a hard contact with the ground following an initial bounce.
- The landing was performed on a grass runway surface.
- The initial touchdown occurred on the nosewheel before the displaced threshold.