Incident Overview
On 24 August 2018, a student pilot was conducting solo circuits at Wrocław–Szymanów Airport (EPWS) as part of the PPL(A) training syllabus. The aircraft involved was a Tecnam P2008 JC. The event was officially recorded on 2 August 2018. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained no injuries and was not under the influence of alcohol (0.00 mg/L).
Sequence of Events
After completing pre-flight preparation and three check flights, the student pilot was cleared for solo circuits. Takeoffs and landings initially used Runway 14. Two circuits were completed without incident. However, a wind shift to a tailwind component prompted a change to Runway 32. During the third circuit, the student performed a touch-and-go landing. Upon touchdown and application of full power for the next takeoff, the aircraft began to veer left. Radio calls from the instructor at the runway were ineffective. The aircraft continued left, tipping onto its left wing, and departed the grass runway. The nose landing gear collapsed, the propeller struck the ground, and the aircraft came to rest on its nose.
Investigation Findings
The investigation was conducted by the operator and supervised by Jerzy Girgiel of the Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL). The report noted no wind influence on the occurrence. The student pilot's documentation was without irregularities.
Probable Cause
The cause of the incident was the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff due to delayed flight control inputs after rapid engine power application. At low speed, this induced a side slip, and ground contact resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear.
Contributing Factor
A contributing factor was the student pilot's limited experience with touch-and-go operations.
Safety Actions
Following the incident, the operator discussed the event with students and pilots flying the same aircraft type. The board of the Aeroclub decided to review training procedures for the Tecnam P2008. No safety recommendations were issued by the PKBWL.