What happened
On 17 August 2000, a Reims Cessna FRA150M, registration G-BFGG, was engaged in a training flight at Bodmin Airfield, Cornwall. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot with 11 hours of experience on the type. Following a successful hour of circuit training and a pre-solo check, the instructor briefed the student for a solo circuit and exited the aircraft to observe the maneuvers from the ground.
The student performed the circuit and all necessary radio communications to a satisfactory standard. During the landing phase, the aircraft completed its final approach and flared at the appropriate height, making a smooth contact with the main landing gear in the correct attitude. However, the nose landing gear experienced a harder than normal impact with the runway during the landing sequence. Despite the impact, the student was able to taxi the aircraft to the parking area without noticing any immediate difficulties.
The investigation
Following the incident, an engineering inspection was performed on the aircraft. This technical examination revealed that the impact of the nosewheel against the runway had caused damage to the engine bearer. The investigation also considered the flight controls during the touchdown phase, noting that the instructor believed the student may have moved the controls forward at the moment of contact.