Propeller strike during student solo flight at Piła landing field

Casualties unknown • EPPI, PL

A student pilot lost control of a Cessna 152 during a Touch&Go maneuver, resulting in a propeller strike and nose gear damage.

What happened

On 24 June 2022, a Cessna 152, registration SP-APT, was involved in a serious incident during solo aerodrome circuit flights at the Piła landing field (EPPI). The flight was part of a training program for a student pilot under the supervision of an instructor.

While performing the fourth flight of the session, the student pilot attempted a Touch&Go maneuver. During the process of configuring the flaps for the subsequent takeoff, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to bounce on the runway. Although the supervising instructor immediately commanded a go-around procedure, the student pilot failed to follow the instruction. Instead, the pilot pushed the control wheel forward, leading to a hard touchdown on the nose wheel and a subsequent propeller strike. The aircraft came to a stop with the nose wheel detached and significant damage to the nose gear and propeller. No injuries were reported.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the fourth circuit flight and the pilot's response to the aircraft's unstable state following the bounce. The commission examined the flight maneuvers, the instructor's intervention, and the mechanical impact on the aircraft's landing gear and propeller.

Probable cause

The primary cause was the student pilot's improper reaction to an aircraft bounce, specifically pushing the control wheel forward, which led to a hard nose-wheel touchdown and propeller strike. This was exacerbated by the student's low level of flight experience.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-06-22 Cessna, 152 accident near EPPI, PL?

A student pilot lost control of a Cessna 152 during a Touch&Go maneuver, resulting in a propeller strike and nose gear damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-06-22 involved a Cessna, 152, registration SP-APT, operated by Uczeń-pilot samolotowy, at EPPI, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was the student pilot's improper reaction to an aircraft bounce, specifically pushing the control wheel forward, which led to a hard nose-wheel touchdown and propeller strike. This was exacerbated by the student's low level of flight experience.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2022-3254/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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