Nosegear collapse during aborted takeoff at Fife Airport

Casualties unknown • Fife Airport, Scotland, GB

A student pilot experienced a violent leftward yaw during a touch-and-go maneuver in a Cessna F152, leading to an excursion from the runway and nosegear failure.

What happened

On 22 January 2005, a Cessna F152, registration G-TAYS, was performing a private flight at Fife Airport, Scotland. The pilot, a student, intended to execute a touch-and-go landing on Runway 07 amidst a 5-knot northerly wind. While the initial approach and landing appeared routine, the aircraft began to yaw to the left during the ground roll. In an effort to stay on the runway centerline, the pilot held the flaps in the extended position and applied right rudder.

Upon retracting the flaps and applying full power, the aircraft experienced a much more intense leftward yaw. The pilot attempted to counteract this with full right rudder, but the aircraft lurched significantly. Fearing a loss of control due to the right wing dropping, the pilot aborted the takeoff by reducing throttle and easing rudder pressure. The aircraft subsequently veered off the paved runway onto the grass. During the excursion, the nose landing gear struck a ridge, causing the aircraft to pitch upward and then downward, resulting in the nosegear collapse and propeller damage.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an unexpected and violent leftward yaw during a touch-and-go maneuver, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent excursion from the runway onto soft ground, where the nosegear struck a ridge.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-01-22 Reims Cessna FA152 accident near Fife Airport, Scotland, GB?

A student pilot experienced a violent leftward yaw during a touch-and-go maneuver in a Cessna F152, leading to an excursion from the runway and nosegear failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-01-22 involved a Reims Cessna FA152, registration G-TAYS, at Fife Airport, Scotland, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an unexpected and violent leftward yaw during a touch-and-go maneuver, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent excursion from the runway onto soft ground, where the nosegear struck a ridge.

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