Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Reims Cessna F152, registered G-BKGW, manufactured in 1981. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-235-N2C piston engine.
Flight History
On 17 August 2008, the pilot had been checked out for his first solo flight earlier in the day and subsequently completed a solo flight and a solo navigation exercise without incident. After a break for lunch, he undertook a further solo navigation exercise. On returning to Leicester Airport, the aircraft landed heavily.
Accident Details
The heavy landing resulted in damage to the nose gear leg, propeller, and engine. The pilot believed that he may have flared too early. The landing was not witnessed by the instructor.
Pilot Experience
The commander was a 37-year-old student pilot with a total flying experience of 20 hours, all on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 20 hours, and in the last 28 days, 8 hours.