History of Flight
On 16 March 2022, a student pilot holding a valid Student Pilot License (SPL) was detailed for a 300 Nm solo cross-country flight in Cessna 152 aircraft VT-PTC, operated by M/s Falcon Aviation Academy. The planned route was Rewa – Overflying (O/F) ALGOB – O/F Ayodhya – landing at Sultanpur, with a return leg via O/F Sirathu to Satna and then back to Rewa.
The student pilot reported for the flight at 0300 UTC on 16 March 2022. After a briefing by an instructor, the pilot completed pre-flight checks, during which two loose nuts on the wing tip were rectified by a technician. No other abnormalities were noted. The aircraft departed Rewa airfield at approximately 0440 UTC. The en route flight was uneventful, with no anomalies observed.
At about 15 Nm inbound Ayodhya, the pilot switched to the company common frequency. Upon reaching Sultanpur, the aircraft was visible to the pilot from 5–4 Nm. The instructor, who had already arrived at Sultanpur with another trainee, was coordinating landings for solo aircraft. The instructor reported winds as "variable 5 Kts" based on the windsock.
The student pilot was instructed to descend to 1500 feet and join a left-hand circuit for landing on runway 29. After reporting finals, the pilot received landing clearance.
The Accident
After flaring the aircraft, it began drifting right of runway 29. The trainee pilot was unable to correct the drift. The aircraft landed on soft ground approximately 870 feet from the runway 29 threshold and 110 feet right of the runway centerline. It continued rolling on the soft ground for about 80 feet before coming to rest at the edge of the runway approximately 950 feet from the threshold.
Injuries to Persons
The trainee pilot did not sustain any injury.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Personnel Information
The pilot was a student pilot license holder. No other crew were on board.
Aircraft Information
- Type: Cessna 152
- Nationality: Indian
- Registration: VT-PTC
- Owner/Operator: M/s Falcon Aviation Academy
Meteorological Information
Weather at Sultanpur was fine. The instructor relayed wind information as "variable 5 Kts" based on the wind sock.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft landed on unpaved soft ground to the right of runway 29. The final resting position was at the edge of the runway, about 950 feet from the threshold.
Tests and Research
No specific tests or research were conducted beyond the investigation.
Organizational and Management Information
The aircraft was operated by M/s Falcon Aviation Academy (FAA) as part of a training flight.