Cessna 150L Landing Accident at Mielec Airport

Casualties unknown • Mielec (EPML), PL

A Cessna 150L experienced a landing accident at Mielec Airport after a bounced landing resulted in a collapsed landing gear and fuselage damage.

What happened

On June 11, 2017, a Cessna 150L, registration SP-GCC, was performing a flight from Rudniki (EPRU) to Mielec (EPML). The flight arrived at Mielec Airport at approximately 16:10 UTC. During the landing sequence, the pilot attempted to land directly into the sun, which impacted visibility. The aircraft likely touched down with excessive speed and failed to achieve a proper three-point landing.

Following the initial contact, the aircraft bounced to an altitude of approximately 2 meters. During this period, the aircraft experienced a "kangaroo" effect and a slight deviation from the landing centerline. Upon the second contact, the nose gear struck the runway surface, causing the gear to break. The aircraft subsequently slid on its fuselage along the runway for approximately 70 meters before coming to a halt. The impact caused damage to the propeller as well as the forward and center sections of the fuselage.

Following the stop, the pilot successfully executed emergency shutdown procedures, including turning off the magnetos, disconnecting the electrical system, and cutting off the fuel supply. The pilot and the passenger evacuated the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.

The investigation

The PKBWL reviewed all documentation provided by the aircraft operator and the airport management to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the factors leading to the gear failure and subsequent fuselage damage.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an improper landing technique, specifically failing to achieve a three-point landing and an unsuccessful correction of a bounce, exacerbated by landing into direct sunlight.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-06-11 Cessna 150 accident near Mielec (EPML), PL?

A Cessna 150L experienced a landing accident at Mielec Airport after a bounced landing resulted in a collapsed landing gear and fuselage damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-06-11 involved a Cessna 150, registration SP-GCC, operated by Pilot samolotowy PPL(A), at Mielec (EPML), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an improper landing technique, specifically failing to achieve a three-point landing and an unsuccessful correction of a bounce, exacerbated by landing into direct sunlight.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2017-1166/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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