What happened
On August 14, 2020, an instructor pilot was performing glider towing operations using a Socata Rallye 235C, registration SP-KNF. Following the successful release of an SZD-30 Pirat glider at an altitude of 500m, the aircraft performed a left-hand approach to runway 13 at EPGI. The flight, approach, and landing were completed without incident.
During the final phase of the landing rollout, as the aircraft had slowed to approximately 10 km/h, the pilot released the control stick to reach for the canopy latch. Simultaneously, the pilot received a radio instruction from the flight controller to stop and applied the brakes. This sequence caused the aircraft to pivot onto its nose, resulting in the propeller striking the grassy surface. The impact caused the engine to stop. Shortly after the impact, the tail of the aircraft returned to its normal position. The pilot successfully shut down the magnetos and the master switch before exiting the aircraft uninjured. A subsequent alcohol test for the pilot yielded a negative result.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the sequence of events and the pilot's actions during the landing rollout. The investigation focused on the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while responding to radio communications and attempting to open the cockpit canopy.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was a pilot error in flight technique, specifically releasing the control stick while simultaneously applying the brakes during the rollout.
- The pilot failed to adhere to the fundamental principle of "Fly—Navigate—Communicate."
- A contributing factor was the pilot's limited recent experience with tailwheel aircraft, having performed only 17 flights in this aircraft type over the preceding 24 months.