What happened
On June 8, 2020, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration VT-ENF, operated by the Government Aviation Training Institute, was conducting local circuit and landing exercises at Birasal, Odisha. Following an initial successful takeoff and flight, the crew attempted a second circuit from runway 2/7.
During this second attempt, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 150 feet AGL. While performing a 180-degree turn to align with runway 09, the aircraft entered a steep left turn and began a rapid descent. The aircraft struck the unpaved surface of the runway in a nose-dive attitude. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft and resulted in two fatalities, claiming the lives of both the flight instructor and the trainee pilot.
The investigation
AAIB India investigators examined the wreckage, engine components, and personnel records. Technical analysis of the engine revealed that the power generation, lubrication, and ignition systems were all functioning correctly prior to the impact. While some components, such as the pushrods and oil cooler, sustained damage, investigators concluded these were the direct result of the collision with the ground rather than mechanical failure.
The investigation also reviewed the professional history of the flight instructor. Records indicated that the instructor had previously undergone standardization checks by the DGCA where performance was noted as unsatisfactory for certain flight maneuvers. Additionally, the investigation noted that due to COVID-19 related regulations, the crew had been exempted from pre-flight breath analyzer examinations, though they had provided written undertakings regarding sobriety.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a training circuit and landing exercise under VFR conditions.
- The aircraft entered a steep left turn during a 180-degree maneuver, leading to a loss of altitude.
- The aircraft struck the runway in a nose-down attitude, leaving insufficient altitude for recovery.
- There was no evidence of engine failure, oil starvation, or mechanical malfunction prior to the crash.
- The instructor's previous flight standardization assessments had shown deficiencies in handling specific maneuvers.