Cessna 172S Skyhawk, G-YFZT, 2 September 2013

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 2 September 2013
• Aircraft type: Cessna 172S Skyhawk
• Location: White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire
• Registration: G-YFZT

Cessna 172S Skyhawk, G-YFZT

Summary:

The aircraft was landing on grass Runway 29, with the wind from the northwest at less than 8 mph. Following a “good” final approach at 70 kt, with full flap selected, the aircraft bounced on touchdown. Thereafter, the pilot was unaware of any anomalies with the aircraft beyond the fact that the elevator controls felt stiff.

After parking, he performed a walk-round inspection of the aircraft and was satisfied that there was no damage. Later, an engineer found rippling of the floor panels and firewall, which accounted for the stiff elevator controls, and evidence that the propeller had struck the runway.

The pilot was of the opinion that he should have flown the final approach at a slightly slower speed (recommended final approach speed is 65 kt, with full flap) and that he may have flared too early. He also thought that the uneven nature of the runway surface may have played a part

Download report:

Cessna 172S Skyhawk G-YFZT 02-14.pdf (47.41 kb)

Published 10 December 2014