What happened
On 26 July 2013, a Reims Cessna FRA150M Aerobat, registration G-BFGZ, was engaged in a training flight at Old Buckenham Airfield in Norfolk. The student pilot had previously completed two circuits accompanied by an instructor before attempting a solo flight.
During the solo operation, the pilot attempted a landing that resulted in the aircraft bouncing. Upon the subsequent touchdown, the nose gear leg failed, causing the aircraft to collapse. The incident resulted in damage to the propeller and the nose gear, with the possibility of a shock-load occurring within the engine.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing, noting that the student pilot had limited experience, with only 40 total flying hours and 10 hours on this specific type. The investigation focused on the mechanics of the touchdown and the subsequent structural failure of the landing gear.