What happened
On September 20, 2011, a Socata TB 200, registration CS-DEI, operated by CAE Global Academy Évora, was performing a solo navigation flight between Évora and Santarém. During the landing phase at Aeródromo Cosme de Oliveira (LPSR) on runway 05, the aircraft touched down on its main gear but subsequently bounced.
In an attempt to maintain altitude, the student pilot increased engine power and the angle of attack; however, the aircraft failed to climb. During a second impact, the nose gear collapsed, causing the propeller blades to strike the runway. The aircraft then underwent a series of heavy bounces, dragging the remains of the nose gear along the asphalt for approximately 125 meters before coming to a halt near the runway edge. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear, propeller, and engine cowlings, but the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the approach profile and the local airfield infrastructure. Investigators noted that a viaduct located 388 meters from the runway threshold can influence pilot behavior, often leading to higher approaches or steeper descents to compensate for the obstacle.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the airfield's classification. While the aerodrome was certified, it was classified as a Class I airfield. Under current regulations, Class I airfields are prohibited from serving as bases for professional pilot training schools. The operator, a professional training academy, is based at a Class II airfield, which requires higher standards of emergency response services (SBSLCI) than what was available at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the landing phase, entering a significant porpoising motion.
- The nose gear collapse was the primary cause of the subsequent propeller strikes and ground dragging.
- The propeller blades suffered deformation due to impacts with the runway.
- The level of emergency rescue services available at the aerodrome was inadequate for the type of professional flight training activity being conducted.
Safety action
- Safety Recommendation 01/2012: The GPIAAF recommended that the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) intervene with operators to restrict professional pilot training activities—specifically solo flights—to airfields that can guarantee the minimum required operational standards for firefighting equipment, personnel, and emergency services.