Incident Overview
On 6 July 1998 at 1920 hours, a Reims Cessna F152, registered G-BMVB, experienced an incident during a private training flight at Manchester (Barton) Airfield. The aircraft, manufactured in 1987, was powered by a single Lycoming O-235-N2C piston engine. The sole occupant, a 39-year-old student pilot with 33 hours of total flying experience (all on type), was conducting his first solo flight as part of a Private Pilot's Licence course.
Sequence of Events
During the landing approach, the pilot misjudged the flare. The aircraft ballooned, then pitched forward and touched down on the nosewheel. The impact caused substantial damage to the nose landing gear and propeller. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
Aircraft Information
The Reims Cessna F152 is a two-seat, high-wing monoplane commonly used for flight training. The specific aircraft, G-BMVB, had accumulated no reported issues prior to the incident.
Flight Experience
The student pilot had logged 7 hours in the last 90 days and 7 hours in the last 28 days, all on the accident aircraft type. The flight was his first solo.