What happened
On May 22, 2020, a student pilot was conducting solo circuit training at Mielec Airport (EPML) in a Cessna 152, registration SP-KOI. After successfully completing three solo circuits, the pilot commenced a fourth flight. During the approach, the pilot determined the aircraft was too high and configured the aircraft with 30° of flaps, maintaining a speed of 65 knots.
The landing initially appeared to be a smooth three-point touchdown. However, the aircraft subsequently bounced from the runway. The first bounce was followed by a second, higher bounce. During this second bounce, an instructor monitoring the flight from taxiway B1 attempted to intervene via radio, instructing the student to "pull the yoke." Despite this command, the student did not react. A third, even higher bounce occurred, followed by a heavy impact on the nose wheel. This impact caused the nose gear strut to break, resulting in significant damage to the propeller, engine cowling, exhaust manifold, and air filter.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight sequence, the technical condition of the aircraft, and the actions of both the student and the instructor. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, properly insured, and that all necessary technical documentation was in order. The student pilot was found to be properly qualified for PPL(A) training and was well-rested. The instructor was positioned at taxiway B1, where the flight was clearly visible. The investigation also noted that the instructor had the radio at hand on a taxiway sign rather than holding it, which may have impacted the speed of communication.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the student pilot's failure to react to the aircraft bouncing off the runway.
- The student pilot admitted to maintaining the yoke position from the initial touchdown and failing to pull back on the controls during the subsequent bounces, even after hearing the instructor's radio command.
- The aircraft sustained serious damage, including a broken nose gear strut and engine component damage.
- The student pilot sustained no injuries during the event.