What happened
On 18 June 2010, a TECNAM P-2002 Sierra, registration EI-WAT, was performing a private general aviation flight at Waterford Airport. After completing three circuits, the pilot attempted an approach at approximately 65 knots, managing a slight crab to compensate for a left-hand crosswind. During the landing phase, the aircraft bounced, leading to a loss of control.
An air traffic controller observed the aircraft drift to the left and lose altitude, subsequently glancing off the grass near the runway. The aircraft slid until it came to a stop atop a low mound. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the nose wheel leg fractured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight history and the operational environment at the time of the accident. Records indicated that the pilot held a valid JAA Private Pilot Licence but had very limited recent flying time. In the year 2010, prior to the accident, the pilot had accumulated only 1.5 hours of flight time. Furthermore, the pilot had only 5 hours of experience specifically on the TECNAM P-2002 Sierra type.
Investigators also reviewed the proficiency requirements of the aviation club that owned the aircraft. It was noted that the club had recently updated its internal regulations, reducing the required interval for a proficiency check from 90 days to 30 days for pilots who had not flown the specific aircraft type within that period.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience and proficiency, which left them unable to effectively recover the aircraft following a bounced landing.
- The aircraft's nose gear leg was fractured and the propeller was damaged during the excursion.