Nose gear collapse during touch-and-go at Dundee Airport

Casualties unknown • Dundee Airport, GB

A student pilot's training flight in a Reims Cessna FA152 resulted in substantial aircraft damage after a bounced landing led to a nosewheel collapse.

What happened

On 4 August 2000, a Reims Cessna FA152, registration G-TFCI, was performing a training flight at Dundee Airport, Scotland. The aircraft, operated by a student pilot, was executing a standard powered approach to Runway 28. Weather conditions at the time were favorable, characterized by good visibility, scattered clouds at 2,500 feet, and a surface wind of 300 degrees at 20 knots.

During a planned touch-and-go maneuver, the aircraft bounced upon its initial contact with the runway. This bounce resulted in a second touchdown where the aircraft struck the ground nosewheel first. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, leading to the propeller and the front section of the fuselage making contact with the runway surface. The student pilot, who was secured by a lap and diagonal seat belt, was able to exit the aircraft without any injuries.

The investigation

The investigation examined the sequence of the landing maneuver and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to the nose landing gear, the propeller, and the forward fuselage. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the circumstances surrounding the landing technique used during the training session.

Probable cause

The nose landing gear collapsed because the aircraft touched down at an incorrect attitude following a bounce during a touch-and-go maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-08-04 REIMS CESSNA FA152 accident near Dundee Airport, GB?

A student pilot's training flight in a Reims Cessna FA152 resulted in substantial aircraft damage after a bounced landing led to a nosewheel collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-08-04 involved a REIMS CESSNA FA152, registration G-TFCI, at Dundee Airport, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The nose landing gear collapsed because the aircraft touched down at an incorrect attitude following a bounce during a touch-and-go maneuver.

Loading the flight search…