What happened
On 28 December 1997, a Reims Cessna FA152, registration G-BFZU, was returning to Shoreham Airport following a local flight. During the approach to Runway 21, air traffic control instructed the pilot to perform a right-hand orbit to accommodate other traffic. The weather conditions were favorable, with a surface wind of 270° at 10 to 12 knots.
After completing the orbit, the aircraft was re-established on the final approach. The landing was described as heavy, impacting the main landing gear and causing the aircraft to bounce. In an attempt to correct the aircraft's attitude, the pilot applied a slight over-correction, which resulted in the aircraft porpoising three or four times. During this sequence, the nose gear partially collapsed. The pilot maintained directional control and successfully taxied the aircraft off the runway before stopping and shutting down the engine.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the physical damage to the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller tips, the nose gear strut, and the engine suffered a shockload.
The pilot reported a high workload during the circuit, noting frequent radio communications and the presence of other aircraft backtracking on the active runway. Additionally, the pilot noted that the combination of the crosswind and the required orbit led to an application of power and a climb, which placed the aircraft in an unusual configuration for the final approach.