What happened
On 26 July 2011, a Reims Cessna F172N Skyhawk, registration G-BHMI, was conducting a private flight from Woodvale to Caernarfon Airport in Gwynedd. During the initial approach to Runway 26, the pilot experienced a heavy touchdown that caused the aircraft to bounce, leading to an immediate decision to perform a go-around.
Upon the second attempt, the landing was completed successfully. However, during the landing sequence, the nosewheel leg collapsed. The impact resulted in damage to both the propeller and the nosewheel assembly. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
Following the incident, the AAIB conducted an investigation based on the accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent enquiries. The investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft's landing gear.
Findings
- The investigation established that the nosewheel leg collapsed due to the force of the landing.
- A significant factor was the heavy first touchdown during the initial approach, which may have caused structural damage to the nosewheel assembly prior to the second landing attempt.
- The pilot noted that a reversal in wind direction during the final approach may have contributed to the initial hard landing.