History of the Flight
On 29 August 2019, a crew consisting of an instructor-examiner (LKE examiner) and a pilot holding a PPL(A) license arrived at Mielec aerodrome to conduct a CPL(A) flight examination. The aircraft was a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration SP-GME. After a pre-flight briefing and inspection, the pilot filed a flight plan and the departure from runway 27 at Mielec took place at 07:02 LMT. The flight proceeded to Rzeszów (EPRZ) for a touch-and-go, then to Krosno (EPKR). At Krosno, after another touch-and-go, the crew requested and received permission for an additional traffic pattern.
During the turn to base leg, the examiner reduced engine power to idle to simulate an engine failure. The pilot maintained airspeed, assessed altitude, and continued the approach to runway 11R. After the turn to final, the pilot performed the landing checklist, extended the landing gear and landing light. According to crew statements, both pilot and examiner observed that the three green landing gear indication lights were illuminated, indicating proper gear extension. The pilot then extended flaps and continued the approach.
During the flare, the crew felt mild vibrations, similar to shimmy. The examiner took control, applied full power, and initiated a go-around. During the climb, the pilot noticed that the "landing gear lights" circuit breaker had popped. The pilot reset it. No abnormal engine indications were noted.
The crew then flew back to Mielec, landing on runway 09 at 08:12. After taxiing to the parking area and shutting down the engine, a post-flight inspection revealed damage to three propeller blades: the tips were ground down and bent over a length of approximately 12 cm.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were sustained by the two crew members. No other persons were involved.
Damage to Aircraft
The propeller sustained damage: the tips of three blades were abraded and bent. No other damage is reported.
Other Damage
None.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the cause of the event was: 1. Inadequate monitoring of the examined pilot's actions during the simulated engine failure – lack of control of landing gear indication. 2. Loose electrical wire, which caused a short circuit in the landing gear warning system – lack of indication of gear down.
Safety Recommendations
The State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation did not issue any safety recommendations.