History
On 12 May 2018, a student pilot conducted a control flight with an instructor aboard a Diamond DV20 Katana (YR-SCC) at Tuzla Aerodrome, Constanța County. The flight was an evaluation for the student to perform a solo flight. After the evaluation, the student was approved for solo flight. During the subsequent solo flight, the student started the engine and performed mandatory checks under instructor supervision. After taxiing and aligning on runway 04, the student requested take-off clearance. The aircraft performed the take-off run, accelerated, and lifted off. However, at a height of about 15 meters, the aircraft began to vibrate strongly, with a simultaneous decrease in engine power. Given the low altitude and decreasing speed, the student executed an emergency landing straight ahead along the take-off direction. Before touchdown, the engine shut down. The emergency landing was performed safely; after touchdown, the aircraft rolled approximately 20 meters. Due to the soft ground, the nose landing gear sank into the ground, causing it to break. Additionally, one propeller blade broke when the propeller contacted the ground.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Diamond DV20 Katana, serial number 20 123, manufactured in 2009, with a Rotax 912 S3-01 engine. It had accumulated 8,017 total hours and 200 engine hours since overhaul. The aircraft held a valid certificate of airworthiness and was maintained according to the approved schedule. The student pilot, a 29-year-old male, held a valid Internal Certificate of Approval (Part FCL 020) and a valid Class 1/2/LAPL medical certificate, with total flight experience of 250 hours.
Aerodrome and Meteorological Information
Tuzla Aerodrome is a certified aerodrome with two grass runways: 04/22 (950 m by 53 m) and 16/34 (380 m by 20 m). The elevation is 164 ft. The accident site was approximately 280 m from runway 04 threshold. At 06:30 UTC, weather conditions were wind 080° at 5 knots, CAVOK, temperature 19°C, QNH 1015 mb. The weather had no influence on the accident.
Investigation and Findings
Investigators examined the aircraft and engine. A fuel sample from the aircraft tank complied with the aircraft manufacturer's recommendations. The engine was sent to the manufacturer (BRP-Rotax, Austria) for technical expertise. Visual inspection of the engine revealed no impact damage or fluid leaks. The oil filter and chip detector showed metal particles within acceptable limits. Compression in all cylinders was normal. Spark plugs and carburetors showed no non-conformities. The engine was then tested on a test bench and operated according to all manufacturer-recommended parameters, including acceleration to maximum speed (5,800 rpm). No technical failures were detected, and the engine did not exhibit the symptoms reported by the pilot. No cause could be determined for the reported engine malfunction.
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the accident occurred because the aircraft ran on soft ground after an emergency landing. The contributing factor was an engine malfunction during take-off for reasons that could not be determined. The student pilot acted in accordance with the aircraft flight manual's emergency procedures. No safety recommendations were issued.