What happened
On January 11, 2004, at approximately 16:37 UTC, a Cessna 152, registration CS-DDW, was performing a flight training mission at the Cascais Municipal Aerodrome. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot, who had been cleared for solo flight by his instructor following a series of successful landings.
After completing an initial landing on runway 35, the student pilot attempted a touch-and-go maneuver. During the application of power for the subsequent takeoff, the aircraft experienced a significant leftward deviation due to engine torque. The pilot attempted to reduce power and regain directional control, but the aircraft veered off the runway at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The aircraft traveled across the wet grass and entered a drainage ditch known as Ribeira das Marianas, located about 40 meters from the runway centerline.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the pilot's experience, and the airfield environment. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance was up to date and that the student pilot was properly licensed for the solo operation. Physical examination of the wreckage revealed that the nose gear sustained damage, the propeller blade was bent 90 degrees upon impact with a concrete wall, and the fuselage suffered structural deformation and skin buckling. The investigation also noted that the presence of the open drainage ditch acted as a significant hazard during the excursion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was poor piloting technique by the student pilot, who failed to maintain directional control during the acceleration phase of the touch-and-go maneuver.
- The student pilot's limited flight experience contributed to the inability to counteract the torque effect.
- The lack of a cover over the drainage ditch exacerbated the damage to the engine and airframe.
- The use of seatbelts and the specific geometry of the ditch prevented the aircraft from overturning, which allowed the pilot to emerge uninjured.