What happened
On 31 October 2003, a Reims Cessna F172M Skyhawk, registration G-BIIB, was conducting a local flight departing from Rochester Aerodrome. The flight path included routes via Gravesend, Sheerness, and Maidstone, before returning to the home airfield. Weather conditions were favorable, characterized by good visibility and light southerly winds.
During the approach to Runway 20R, the pilot followed a right-hand circuit, maintaining a position behind another aircraft. The pilot initially noted a high approach via the PAPI indicators but successfully adjusted engine power to stabilize the descent. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot reduced power to idle, estimating a height of approximately 2/0 to 30 feet above the markings.
While the aircraft's attitude appeared correct during the flare, the aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown. This resulted in a bounce, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around. The pilot completed a subsequent circuit and landed at the flying club without further incident, though the aircraft had sustained damage to the nose landing gear attachment to the main bulkhead.