What happened
On 18 December 1998, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BJKY, was performing a private flight at Blackpool Airport. As the student pilot approached Runway 13 in a standard landing configuration, the aircraft encountered turbulence and a gust of wind. While attempting to flare the aircraft, the pilot reacted to the gust, but the aircraft made contact with the runway surface before the flare was finished.
This initial contact caused the aircraft to bounce. Rather than initiating a go-around, the pilot attempted a second landing attempt without increasing engine power. During this second attempt, the aircraft struck the runway in a nose-down attitude, leading to a subsequent bounce. The impact caused the nosewheel tyre to burst, the nosewheel to crack, and damage to the propeller tips, as well as a broken engine frame. The damage was severe enough that the aircraft could not be taxied clear of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing maneuvers and the pilot's decision-making following the first bounce. The AAIB examined the aircraft's condition and the environmental factors, including the 09-knot wind and turbulence present at the time. The investigation also looked into the training oversight at the flying school involved.