What happened
On March 3, 2003, a Cessna 152, registration CS-DAT, was performing a solo training flight at Cascais Municipal Aerodrome. The flight was part of a student pilot's training program, following a dual instruction session where the flight instructor had determined the student was competent to fly solo.
During the first solo circuit, the student pilot prepared for landing on runway 17. The approach was conducted at an excessive speed of approximately 70 knots, failing to account for the fact that the aircraft was lighter than usual due to the absence of the instructor. Upon touchdown, the aircraft's main and nose gears hit the runway simultaneously, causing the aircraft to bounce back into the air.
In an instinctive attempt to correct the bounce, the pilot pushed the control column forward to lower the nose. However, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent and flare in time, leading to a violent impact with the nose gear. The force of the impact caused the nose gear to fracture and the propeller tips to strike the runway and bend.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and the circumstances of the landing. The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and maintained according to regulations. The flight instructor was highly experienced, with over 1,200 flight hours, and had authorized the solo flight based on the student's recent improved performance.
Investigators also reviewed the student's training background, noting a significant gap in flight training due to personal psychological factors, which had previously hindered the student's progress toward proficiency.