Incident Overview
On 18 October 2018, a serious incident involving a Tecnam Sierra P2002JF aircraft occurred at Masłów Airport near Kielce (EPKA). The student pilot, a 42-year-old male with a total flight time of 40 hours and 59 minutes (including 7 hours 53 minutes solo in 28 flights), was conducting a solo cross-country training flight. He held a valid medical certificate and the necessary ratings.
Flight Details
The flight departed Masłów at 14:49 local time, with a route to Mielec Airport (EPML) and return. After approximately 30 minutes, the student landed at Mielec using a touch-and-go procedure and began the return leg. At around 15:55, under the supervision of an instructor, the student commenced landing on runway 29L (concrete). The approach was reportedly correct, with flaps set to 40° and speed about 50 knots. Touchdown occurred approximately 500 meters before the runway end.
Landing and Overrun
The instructor noted that the flare phase was longer than typical for the aircraft. After touchdown, the student initiated braking. Initially, speed reduction was normal, but during the final landing roll, despite heavy braking evidenced by 200-meter skid marks, the aircraft decelerated too slowly. Consequently, it overran the runway and struck an embankment at the end. The student sustained no injuries and exited the cockpit unaided. The instructor notified the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) and police, who conducted alcohol tests with results of 0.00 mg/l.
Investigation
The user commission investigating the incident concluded that the student most likely increased engine power after touchdown during the landing roll. The student could not definitively recall the throttle position or engine rpm from touchdown to impact. The commission suggested that heightened stress from the long landing and lack of experience may have led to the student not reacting to the extended landing distance and slow speed decay, possibly failing to notice increased engine power.
Damage
The aircraft sustained the following damage: broken spinner and propeller blade, damaged nose gear leg, deformed fuselage skin and engine cowling, damage to the right wing leading edge, and damage to the engine mount.