What happened
On 21 March 2012, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BIUM, was performing a private flight at Netherthorpe Airfield in South Yorkshire. During the flight, the pilot completed one touch-and-go landing on a grass strip and prepared for a second landing on Runway 24.
As the pilot approached the runway, the aircraft's flight profile appeared standard. However, during the flare phase of the landing, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude, resulting in a heavy touchdown on the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently bounced twice. Following these bounces, the aircraft tipped forward and came to rest in an inverted position.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft through the right-hand window without assistance. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft, including a collapsed nosewheel, engine shock-loading, and damage to the propeller, spinner, left wing, cockpit screen, and empennage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the configuration of the aircraft prior to landing. The pilot noted that during the approach, he believed he had configured the aircraft correctly for landing. However, subsequent inspections of the aircraft performed by the pilot in the days following the accident revealed that the electrically powered flap selector switch had been left in the fully up position.
Findings
- The pilot had inadvertently selected the flaps up during the landing configuration phase.
- The heavy touchdown and subsequent bounces led to the aircraft tipping onto its nose.