Incident Overview
On 22 June 2018, a student pilot (aged 21, with a total flight time of 24 hours and 53 minutes) was conducting solo circuits under the supervision of an instructor at Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (EPRZ). The student was to perform touch-and-go landings as part of Exercise 14 of the PPL(A) training syllabus. The aircraft, a Tecnam P2008, was airworthy and had all required documentation.
Sequence of Events
During the first approach to Runway 27, the tower controller informed the student of wind direction and speed (270°/6 m/s) and cleared the aircraft to land. In the final flare, a strong wind gust caused the aircraft to balloon, resulting in a loss of airspeed. The supervising instructor radioed a command to execute a go-around, but the student reacted with a delay and insufficiently increased engine power. The aircraft stalled, struck the runway with the left wing tip, followed by the nose landing gear. The nose gear leg was damaged, and the aircraft veered off the paved runway onto the grass. During the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed, damaging the propeller, and the left wing struck the ground again.
After the aircraft came to a stop, the student switched off the electrical power and closed the fuel valve, then exited the cockpit unaided. The student sustained no injuries. Both the student and the instructor underwent breath alcohol tests, which resulted in 0.00 mg/l.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a single-engine Tecnam P2008, a two-seat training aircraft. The student pilot held a valid medical certificate. The instructor was supervising from the ground. The weather forecast and reported conditions did not indicate variable wind speeds or directions.
Probable Cause
The stated probable cause, as determined by the operator's investigation committee, was pilotage error involving an incorrect reaction to a strong wind gust in the final phase of flare just before touchdown.
Post-Event Actions
After coordination with the State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL), the aircraft was transported to the training organization's hangar. The training organization discussed the event with flight crews and emphasized the importance of correct go-around procedures during various phases of approach. No safety recommendations were issued.