What happened
On May 29, 2006, a Cessna 152, registration CS-AYK, was conducting a solo navigation training flight from Vilar da Luz to Santarém Aerodrome. During the approach to runway 05, the pilot maintained a 10-degree flap setting until passing the IC10 viaduct, at which point full landing flaps were selected.
Due to an unstabilized approach, the aircraft touched down at the intersection of the first taxiway with excessive speed. In an attempt to force the aircraft onto the runway, the pilot caused a violent impact with the pavement. This impact resulted in the fracture of the nose gear fork and the subsequent loss of the nose wheel.
Recognizing the damage but unaware of its severity, the pilot executed a go-around. The pilot performed a wide turn to the left and prepared a new approach for the opposite runway, 23. During this second landing attempt, the aircraft touched down on the second third of the runway. Because the nose gear was missing, the aircraft settled onto the nose gear strut as lift decreased, causing the propeller tips to strike the asphalt. The aircraft came to a halt approximately 2 and 20 meters before the taxiway intersection.
The investigation
The GPIAAF examined the aircraft, the flight history, and the pilot's experience. The investigation focused on the approach profile and the pilot's decision-making process. Investigators analyzed the physical evidence at the scene, noting fatigue fractures on the nose gear fork and the condition of the propeller blades. The investigation also considered the local terrain and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the specific approach characteristics at Santarém Aerodrome.
Findings
- The pilot was conducting a solo flight with limited experience (93 total flight hours).
- The approach to runway 05 was unstabilized, characterized by an excessive height and speed.
- The pilot attempted to correct a high approach by pitching the nose down, which increased the descent rate and airspeed.
- The pilot failed to execute a timely go-around once the approach became unstable.
- The primary cause of the incident was the unstable approach and improper correction technique, which led to the violent impact and subsequent nose gear failure.