What happened
On 19 February 2012, a Piper PA 34-220T Seneca III, registration G-BMJO, was participating in a Licence Skill Test (LST) for a Commercial Pilot Licence at Cork Airport. The flight involved an authorised examiner acting as pilot-in-command and a test candidate acting as pilot flying. After completing various navigation and handling exercises, the aircraft returned to the airfield to perform circuit work on Runway 25.
During the third circuit, which was intended to demonstrate a short-field approach and landing, the aircraft was positioned slightly high on the approach. The initial touchdown was heavy, causing the aircraft to bounce. In an attempt to manage the situation, the candidate applied full throttle for a go-around, but the examiner instructed the throttles to be closed. This resulted in a series of longitudinal, pilot-induced oscillations. During the landing sequence, the aircraft bounced multiple times, eventually resulting in the left propeller striking the runway surface. The aircraft came to a stop near the Runway 07 threshold after the examiner applied maximum braking, which caused a flat spot on the right main tyre.
The investigation
The AAIU conducted a field investigation, inspecting the aircraft and reviewing maintenance records. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had been properly maintained and that there were no mechanical issues with the nose landing gear or any pre-existing faults that contributed to the incident. Weather conditions were found to be favorable, with light winds and no crosswind component.
Investigators also interviewed both the examiner and the candidate. The examiner noted that because this was a flight test rather than an instructional flight, they did not intervene immediately to allow the candidate to demonstrate handling skills. The investigation also reviewed CCTV footage from the airport apron, which showed the aircraft airborne late in the landing sequence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a heavy touchdown and bounce that triggered a series of pilot-induced oscillations.
- The aircraft's left propeller blades sustained damage from contact with the runway.
- The candidate's approach was slightly high, leading to the initial hard contact.
- The examiner took control of the aircraft during the oscillations to attempt stabilization.
- The aircraft's maintenance history was found to be in good order, and no environmental factors like wind contributed to the event.