What happened
On July 5, 2017, a private flight was conducted at Locarno Aerodrome (LSZL). The pilot, operating a Reims Aviation RA F152 with registration HB-CCD, had decided to undertake a pleasure flight after reviewing the operation of a newly installed radio communication device.
During the landing phase on runway 26R, the aircraft approached with flaps fully extended. The pilot reported an approach speed of approximately 60 knots, intending to initiate the flare by reducing engine power to idle. However, the initial touchdown occurred with a descent rate of 395 feet per an hour and a ground speed of approximately 65 knots.
Upon the first contact with the runway, the aircraft bounced. The pilot briefly considered performing a go-around but instead attempted to continue the landing. This resulted in two subsequent bounces. During these impacts, the aircraft's pitch increased toward a nose-down attitude of 30 degrees. On the third contact, the propeller struck the runway surface, creating a visible groove. During the fourth contact, the nose gear strut collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide on its nose before coming to a stop at the right edge of the runway. The pilot sustained no injuries, but the aircraft was seriously damaged.
The investigation
Investigators analyzed data from the onboard Flarm collision avoidance system, which provided descent rate and ground speed metrics. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight manual (POH) and the pilot's recent training history. The inquiry focused on the pilot's decision-making during the bounced landing and the aerodynamic state of the aircraft during the flare.
Findings
- The flare maneuver was insufficient to reduce the descent rate, and the approach speed remained too high, leading to the initial bounced landing.
- The pilot's decision to continue the landing attempt rather than executing a go-around was inappropriate given the aircraft's speed and state.
- It is believed that due to a lack of recent training, the pilot experienced stress and applied forward pressure on the control column.
- This forward input contributed to the increasing nose-down attitude and the eventual structural failure of the nose gear support.