What happened
On November 24, 2018, a Cessna 172S, registration VT-ABK, was performing a solo circuit and landing training exercise at Mehsana Airfield, Gujarat. After successfully completing an initial flight, the student pilot commenced a second takeoff from runway 05. During the climbing left turn, the aircraft reached approximately 800 feet AMSL when the pilot perceived a loss of engine power due to a drop in RPM and a lack of altitude gain.
Following instructions from the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) on the ground, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn to land on runway 23. However, the approach was high and fast. The aircraft made a delayed touchdown near the threshold of runway 05, resulting in a hard landing that caused the aircraft to bounce twice. The pilot failed to apply brakes immediately, causing the aircraft to overshoot the runway end, travel 134 meters across unpaved terrain, and come to a halt near an open sewage line. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
AAIB India investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training history, and the operational procedures of the flight school. The investigation reviewed the engine components, including the spark plugs and cylinders, and inspected the wreckage, which showed significant damage to the engine cowling, nose wheel, and wing leading edges. The inquiry also scrutinized the organization's Training and Procedure Manual (TPM) and the availability of emergency landing sites.
Findings
- The perceived power loss was actually caused by the pilot initiating an abrupt bank angle, creating a side-slip that prevented the aircraft from climbing.
- The student pilot experienced a lack of situational awareness and was in a state of panic, leading to improper control handling during the emergency approach.
- The aircraft was flying at a higher gliding speed than normal during the final approach.
- The CFI provided inadequate guidance and coordination from the ground to help the pilot correct the approach.
- The pilot did not apply the brakes promptly following the bounced touchdown.
- The organization's training manual lacked specific local emergency procedures and did not identify suitable forced landing fields in the vicinity of the airfield.