What happened
On 6 April 2006, a Reims Cessna FA152 Aerobat, registration G-BGAF, was conducting training maneuvers at Southend Airport. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot under the supervision of an instructor. After completing three circuits and landings, the instructor permitted the student to perform three additional circuits solo. While the first solo circuit was successful, the student encountered difficulties during the second landing attempt.
During the landing flare, the student flared the aircraft too high. As the aircraft began to drift toward the left, the pilot reacted by releasing back pressure on the control wheel. This action caused the aircraft to descend rapidly and strike the runway with significant force on its nosewheel. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce and drift further left, eventually coming to a stop on the grass near the left edge of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the pilot's reaction to the aircraft's drift. It was noted that the student had limited solo experience, having flown solo only once prior to this event. The instructor involved in the training session reported that the student had demonstrated the ability to manage distractions and correct approach errors during their shared flight. However, the investigation also looked into the school's operational procedures regarding solo student flights in relation to wind conditions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot releasing back pressure on the control wheel following an excessively high flare.
- The heavy nosewheel touchdown resulted in the nose landing gear leg breaking away from its mountings.
- The impact caused significant damage to the engine, propeller, and one wing.
- At the time of the accident, the wind was 270° at 13 knots, creating a crosswind component of approximately 7 knots, which was within the school's limit of 8 knots for solo student operations.