What happened
On October 23, 2020, two Cessna 152 aircraft were involved in a serious incident at Rudniki aerodrome (EPRU). The first aircraft, SP-FZY, was performing a training flight involving a fifth circuit, which was intended to end in a full landing. Simultaneously, the second aircraft, SP-AKW, was operating a flight with a passenger, intending to enter a left-hand circuit for a precision landing on runway 26.
As the crew of SP-FZY completed their landing and began their landing roll, the pilot of SP-AKW was on a low-speed approach with full flaps. During the final moments of the approach, the left main landing gear of SP-AKW struck the propeller of the decelerating SP-FZY. The impact caused the left wheel of SP-AKW to break off, leading to an uncontrolled left turn upon touchdown. There were no injuries to the four occupants involved in the incident.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the lack of separation between the two aircraft and the visibility conditions during the approach. The investigation established that the crew of SP-FZY was flying a non-standard circuit, extending the downwind leg to provide more time for the student pilot. This resulted in a flatter approach path.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the visibility from the cockpit of the Cessna 152. Due to the high pitch angle during a low-speed, high-flap approach, the pilot of SP-AKW was operating in a significant blind spot, making the aircraft on the runway invisible from the cockpit. The investigation also noted that the pilot of SP-AKW was distracted by a conversation with the passenger regarding landing techniques.
Findings
- Lack of radio communication regarding the transition to the landing straight resulted in the loss of separation between the two aircraft.
- Inadequate scanning of the surrounding airspace by both crews during the circuit.
- The use of non-standard traffic patterns by both pilots.
- Distracted attention of the pilot of SP-AKW due to interaction with the passenger.
- The pilot of SP-AKW was performing a precision landing approach with a shifted touchdown point, further complicating the visual acquisition of the runway environment.