Accident Details
On 22 January 2010 at 1630 UTC, a Reims Cessna F172M Skyhawk (registration G-BCZM, year of manufacture 1975, powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2D engine) was engaged in a private flight at Bodmin Airfield, Cornwall. The sole occupant, the pilot, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had 4,572 hours total flying experience, with only 4 hours on type and minimal recent activity (3 hours in the last 90 days, 1 hour in the last 28 days). The weather was good, with a surface wind from 340° at 12 kt.
Approach and Unexpected Descent
The aircraft was in the latter stages of a practice approach to Runway 31, from which the pilot intended to carry out an overshoot to preserve the grass surface. At a height of about 20 ft, with full flaps selected and an airspeed of 65 kt, the aircraft began to sink unexpectedly towards the up-sloping runway. The pilot applied full power and lowered the nose to maintain airspeed and avert a stall. He then pulled back on the control column to arrest the descent, but the aircraft landed firmly, nosewheel first, and bounced back into the air.
Response and Landing
Despite the firm landing, the engine and airframe continued to respond normally. The pilot completed an uneventful circuit and landed without further incident. There were no injuries to the pilot.
Engineering Investigation and Findings
A subsequent engineering investigation revealed a fracture in the lower cross member of the engine mount. This was probably attributable to a hard landing on the nose landing gear. The pilot concluded that a downdraft may have caused the aircraft to sink and that his response was probably too great, given the proximity of the runway surface.