AAIB investigation to Cessna 172N Skyhawk, G-OSII

Hard landing, Andrewsfield Aerodrome, 20 August 2015.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2015

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 20 August 2015
• Aircraft type: Cessna 172N Skyhawk
• Location: Andrewsfield Aerodrome, Essex
• Registration: G-OSII

Summary:

The final approach to the grass Runway 27L at Andrewsfield was stable at an airspeed of 65 to 70 kt, with 20º of flap set. The aircraft crossed the threshold at 65 kt but flared “a little high”, landing hard and flat. The cast yoke at the bottom of the nose landing gear oleo fractured and the nose dropped, resulting in the propeller striking the ground. The aircraft came to rest with the engine cowling in contact with the runway. The aerodrome emergency services arrived quickly and all three occupants exited the aircraft without injury using the doors, which opened normally. The pilot assessed the cause of the accident as flaring too high, resulting in a hard landing.

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Cessna 172N Skyhawk, G-OSII 12-15

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 10 December 2015