Accident Description
On 1 July 2020, a student pilot arrived at Warsaw Babice Airport (EPBC) to conduct planned solo circuit flights. After reviewing the METAR at 18:00 and NOTAMs for EPBC and EPMO, the pilot performed a pre-flight inspection and commenced flights using runway 28. The first circuit was completed with an instructor and was executed correctly. During the second (solo) circuit, the flight proceeded normally until landing.
While landing, the aircraft bounced twice on the runway surface and touched down on the nose landing gear. This resulted in damage to the nose gear assembly and propeller blades. The aircraft came to a stop near the edge of runway 28. The accident was reported to the State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL).
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a PS-28 Cruiser, registration SP-GBE, operated by Ventum Air. The pilot was a 51-year-old student pilot training for a PPL(A) license. He held a valid Medical Certificate (valid until 26 August 2020) and a valid Theory Knowledge Check (valid until 25 May 2021). His total flight time was 47 hours 26 minutes, with 15 minutes in the last 24 hours, 2 hours 32 minutes in the last 7 days, and 9 hours 55 minutes in the last 90 days. The pilot reported no health issues.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot was authorized to conduct the flight and held a valid medical certificate. The aircraft was properly prepared and its airworthiness was correctly documented. The weight and balance were within limits, and the aircraft was correctly serviced. The aircraft was technically operational until the propeller struck the runway surface; the engine was running at that time. The flight was conducted during daylight under VFR rules. Two-way radio communication was maintained with air traffic services, and the pilot reported no problems. Meteorological conditions did not influence the event.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller assembly, the nose landing gear assembly including its attach fitting and shock absorber, the nose gear support bracket, and the landing light.
Injuries
There were no injuries.