Student Pilot's Attempt to Avoid Birds Leads to Cessna 152 Crash in Kanpur

Casualties unknown • KANPUR, IN

A training flight ended in a crash on an abandoned building rooftop after a student pilot lost control of a Cessna 152 while maneuvering to avoid bird activity.

What happened

On September 3, 2014, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration VT-SGN, was performing solo local circuit and landing training at Kanpur Civil Aerodrome. After a successful first sortie, the student pilot was authorized for a second solo flight. During the final approach for landing on Runway 10, the pilot observed bird activity in the flight path and initiated a continuous right turn to avoid the birds.

As the aircraft turned, it began to lose both altitude and airspeed due to the low power setting required for landing. The pilot failed to correct the deviation from the approach path, leading to a loss of control and the activation of the stall warning. In a state of panic, the pilot declared a MAYDAY and attempted to recover by pitching up and adding power. During this maneuver, the aircraft's nose wheel struck the roof of an abandoned railway loco shed building. Although the impact briefly sent the aircraft airborne, it subsequently struck a tall tree and stalled, ultimately crash-landing on the rooftop in a nose-down attitude.

The investigation

AAIB India's investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers and the pilot's response to the emergency. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting that the engine was still delivering power at the time of impact and that the aircraft's maintenance and airworthiness documentation were in order. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions, which were reported as clear with 5km visibility, and confirmed that the aircraft was in a serviceable condition prior to the flight.

Findings

  • The pilot initiated a right turn to avoid birds but failed to apply corrections to return to the original flight path.
  • The continuous turn at low power caused the aircraft to lose speed and descend.
  • The pilot's reaction to the stall warning—pitching up the aircraft—aggravated the aerodynamic stall.
  • The student pilot sustained serious injuries during the accident.
  • The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a destroyed engine mount, sheared landing gear, and damaged wings.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the improper handling of aircraft controls by the trainee pilot during the final approach. Contributing factors included the initial deviation from the flight path to avoid birds and the pilot's inappropriate corrective actions following the stall warning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-09-03 GARG AVIATION LTD., CESSNA 152 accident near KANPUR, IN?

A training flight ended in a crash on an abandoned building rooftop after a student pilot lost control of a Cessna 152 while maneuvering to avoid bird activity.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-09-03 involved a GARG AVIATION LTD., CESSNA 152, registration VT-SGN, at KANPUR, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the improper handling of aircraft controls by the trainee pilot during the final approach. Contributing factors included the initial deviation from the flight path to avoid birds and the pilot's inappropriate corrective actions following the stall warning.

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