What happened
On July 5, 2020, a student pilot was conducting solo training flights at the Zator airfield using an Aeroprakt 22LS, registration SP-SHOR. After successfully completing several supervised flights and a solo flight, the student prepared for a second solo takeoff.
Upon releasing the brakes at maximum engine power, the aircraft began to veer to the left during the takeoff roll. The student attempted to correct the direction by applying right rudder, while the instructor, monitoring via radio, issued commands to apply more right pedal. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued to deviate from the centerline, approaching an adjacent cornfield. Before the instructor could command an aborted takeoff, the aircraft entered the cornfield, traveled approximately 30 meters, and struck the bank of a ditch.
The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft, including a broken nose gear, a broken propeller blade, and damage to the engine cowling and left wing tip. The student pilot sustained serious injuries, specifically a spinal injury, and required medical transport to a hospital.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the mechanics of the takeoff roll and the pilot's response to the aircraft's deviation. The investigation established that the weather conditions were clear and suitable for flight, and that both the student and instructor were properly licensed and not under the influence of alcohol. The investigation examined the physical state of the aircraft and the sequence of control inputs during the critical moments of the takeoff roll.
Findings
- The student pilot failed to react in time to the loss of directional control caused by gyroscopic precession from the propeller-engine assembly and the unloading of the nose wheel.
- The excessive unloading of the nose wheel during the initial phase of the takeoff roll caused the wheel to skid, rendering steering ineffective.
- The student failed to make the decision to abort the takeoff when the deviation began.
- The narrow width of the runway contributed to the difficulty of recovering the aircraft.
- The instructor did not issue a command to abort the takeoff before the aircraft left the paved surface.