Incident Overview
On December 5, 2019, a Cessna 172 S, registration SP-KSL, was involved in a training incident at Katowice Muchowiec Airport (EPKM). The aircraft was operated by an instructor-pilot and a student-pilot conducting a training flight according to the PPL(A) syllabus, specifically task C.5 (check flights along routes before solo flights).
Sequence of Events
After completing the assigned task at approximately 13:05 LMT, while the aircraft was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the instructor-pilot simulated an engine failure. The student-pilot responded appropriately by shortening the pattern, executing a 180-degree turn, and extending the flaps to 10 degrees on final approach to runway 23R. However, the student misjudged the altitude, initiating the flare at about 2 meters above the runway. The aircraft began to lose speed and started to stall. The instructor-pilot took over control and increased engine power. Despite this intervention, the aircraft continued to descend and landed hard on all three wheels. No external damage was visible, and the aircraft taxied to the hangar. A subsequent inspection revealed damage to the main and nose landing gear.
Probable Cause
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation determined the cause to be the instructor-pilot's late reaction to a piloting error committed by the student-pilot during landing.
Contributing Factors
Strong wind and turbulence originating from the forest south of the airport were identified as factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Safety Recommendations
The investigating body proposed recommendations including methodical training for instructors on anticipating and reacting to student errors during landing, and on the methodology, frequency, and conditions for simulating emergency landings during training. No additional safety recommendations were formulated by the Commission.