What happened
On December 5, 2019, a Cessna 172 S, registration SP-KSL, was conducting a PPL(A) training flight at Katowice Muchowiec (EPKM). The flight crew, consisting of an instructor and a student pilot, were performing a specific training task involving route checks prior to solo flights.
At approximately 13:05 LMT, while the aircraft was in the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the instructor simulated an engine failure. The student pilot responded correctly to the emergency procedure by shortening the circuit, executing a 180-degree turn, and extending the flaps to 10 degrees on the final approach to runway 23R. However, the student misjudged the aircraft's altitude and leveling, completing the flare at only about 2 meters above the runway. This caused the aircraft to lose airspeed and begin descending rapidly. Although the instructor took control and increased engine power, the aircraft continued to drop and made a hard landing on all three landing gear components.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the sequence of events following the landing, during which the aircraft taxied to a hangar without visible external damage. A subsequent mechanical inspection revealed damage to both the main and nose landing gear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the instructor's delayed reaction to the student pilot's maneuvering error during the landing phase.
- Contributing environmental factors included strong winds and turbulence generated by the forest located on the southern side of the aerodrome.
Safety action
- The commission accepted recommendations for instructors to undergo methodological training focused on anticipating and reacting appropriately to student errors during landings.
- Training should also address the proper methodology, quantity, and specific conditions under which simulated engine failures should be utilized during the training process.