What happened
On September 22, 2019, a Cessna 152, registration SP-WLC, was performing a solo cross-country training flight as part of a PPL(A) training program. The flight was conducted under VFR conditions in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) at the Świdnik aerodrome (EPSL) near Lublin.
Upon returning from the route at approximately 15:40 LMT, the student pilot established radio contact with the Świdnik tower controller and received clearance to land on runway 24. While the approach initially proceeded correctly, the pilot failed to execute the flare phase. Consequently, the aircraft touched down on three points without sufficient leveling, causing it to bounce off the runway surface.
Following the bounce, the pilot'ed reacted incorrectly by releasing the control yoke, which led to the nose gear striking the runway hard. The student pilot, who was wearing a seatbelt, exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, confirmed that the student pilot was fully qualified, held a valid medical certificate, and was not under the influence of alcohol. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, properly documented, and insured. The investigation also noted that the aircraft sustained extensive damage, including a damaged airframe, broken nose gear fork, engine mount and cowling damage, propeller destruction, and a deformed firewall and floorboard.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a pilot error in landing technique, specifically the lack of a proper flare phase, which caused the aircraft to bounce.
- An incorrect reaction by the student pilot following the bounce—releasing the control yoke—resulted in the nose gear impacting the runway.
- Sunlight reflecting off the cockpit canopy during the approach hindered the pilot's ability to accurately assess the aircraft's height above the ground.