What happened
On 4 September 2021, a student pilot was conducting a flight training mission as part of PPL(A) training. The planned route involved a distance of at least 150 NM, traveling between EPPT, EPRU, and EPKA. The flight utilized a Cessna 172M, registration SP-FYE.
After departing EPPT and landing at EPRU, the pilot departed EPRU at approximately 08:29 hrs. While approaching the KILO waypoint for the EPKA aerodrome, the pilot noted radio communications regarding deteriorating weather. After receiving a forecast from the FIS officer indicating that conditions were currently good but could worsen, the pilot proceeded toward the aerodrome. Upon switching to the Kielce Radio frequency, the pilot received traffic information and landing instructions.
During a straight-in approach to runway 1ally 11R, the pilot decided to perform a touch-and-go maneuver rather than a standard landing. As the main landing gear contacted the runway, the pilot immediately pitched the nose up, applied full throttle rapidly, and failed to retract the flaps. This sequence of actions generated a significant yaw moment. The aircraft veered to the left during the takeoff run, and the pilot was unable to effectively counteract the deviation. Consequently, the aircraft exited the runway onto a grass area.
Following the excursion, the pilot applied the brakes suddenly. This abrupt deceleration on the grass caused the nose landing gear to collapse, forcing the front of the fuselage into the ground. The aircraft's momentum caused the tail to lift into a near-vertical position. The aircraft eventually settled on its left wing and then on its main landing gear. The pilot was able to exit the cockpit unassisted.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the execution of the touch-and-go maneuver and the pilot's response to the aircraft's deviation from the runway centerline. The commission examined the sequence of control inputs, including the rapid application of power and the failure to manage the yaw moment and flap configuration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was pilot error involving the incorrect execution of the touch-and-go maneuver.
- The student pilot's task-oriented attitude contributed to the loss of control.
- The limited experience of the student pilot was a contributing factor to the inability to counteract the aircraft's yaw during the maneuver.