Casualties unknown

2005-10-19: Reims Cessna F152 (G-BIUM) — Netherthorpe Aerodrome, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, GB

Netherthorpe Aerodrome, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, GB

On October 19, 2005, a Reims Cessna F152 (registration G-BIUM) was involved in an aviation accident near Netherthorpe Aerodrome, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, GB. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot applied excessive aft movement of the control wheel, causing the aircraft to balloon. When power was applied to cushion the landing, the aircraft stalled from a height of about five feet, leading to a wing drop and ground contact. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 1785053200Data APIEditorial standards

On 19 October 2005, a student pilot on his first solo flight in a Reims Cessna F152 (G-BIUM) ballooned during landing, stalled from five feet, and suffered damage to wing tips, nose wheel, propeller, and engine mounts. The pilot was uninjured.

Accident Overview

On 19 October 2005, at approximately 1300 UTC, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BIUM, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Netherthorpe Aerodrome in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The aircraft was on a student pilot's first solo flight. Weather conditions were good, with a light surface wind of about six knots.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot completed a good circuit and approach. As the aircraft was about to touch down, it ballooned back into the air. This was most probably due to the student applying too much aft movement of the control wheel. Following his training, the pilot then applied power to cushion the subsequent landing. However, the aircraft stalled from a height of approximately five feet, causing the left wing to drop. The left wing tip struck the ground, after which the aircraft rolled to the right, striking its right wing tip before coming to rest.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft sustained damage to the nose wheel, both wing tips, the propeller, and the engine mounts. The student pilot was not injured and vacated the aircraft via the cockpit door. No passengers were on board.

Investigation Findings

According to the report submitted by the pilot, the ballooning was most probably caused by excessive aft control column input. The subsequent application of power was insufficient to prevent the stall from a low altitude.

Probable cause

The student pilot applied excessive aft movement of the control wheel, causing the aircraft to balloon. When power was applied to cushion the landing, the aircraft stalled from a height of about five feet, leading to a wing drop and ground contact.