Course of the Occurrence
On 8 February 2023, at 10:09 local time, a pilot holding a Private Pilot License (A) departed from Rzeszów-Jasionka aerodrome (EPRZ) in a Tecnam P2008-JC airplane, registration SP-WBA. The route flight proceeded normally. Upon returning, the pilot approached the EPRZ CTR from the west. At the time, air traffic operated under both IFR and VFR regulations with dense traffic. VFR airplanes were expected to hold at points defined by ATC.
At 11:35, ATC instructed the pilot to hold near WHISKEY point at 2,000 ft AMSL. The pilot reached WHISKEY at 11:39. At 11:45, ATC cleared the airplane to YANKEE point with the same altitude instruction. At 11:51, the pilot reported inbound to YANKEE and his intention to perform a touch-and-go on RWY 09, followed by a full-stop landing. At 12:06, ATC cleared the airplane to join right-hand traffic for RWY 09. At 12:08, the pilot reported joining the third turn and his intention for a full-stop landing. ATC advised wind 090° at 10 kt and cleared the aircraft for landing. The pilot extended flaps to TAKEOFF position, then changed to LANDING on final.
In the pilot's opinion, the approach was above the descent path to overshoot landing and reduce taxiing time. The pilot was aware of another airplane close behind. The flare was executed too high and at too low a speed, and the pilot did not correct these errors. At 12:12, the aircraft stalled, tilting left, and the wingtip contacted the runway, causing a veer off the RWY about 45° left. After touchdown, the pilot increased engine rpm. The airplane veered onto the grass near the RWY intersection with TWY BRAVO, then for about 700 m moved along a gentle curve eastward, eventually rejoining the RWY near the intersection with TWY CHARLIE 1.
Relevant Information
Weather Conditions
VMC conditions prevailed. During landing, a 10 kt east wind was blowing along RWY 09. Both direction and speed were within Tecnam limits, considered favorable. A weak headwind would reduce touchdown speed and shorten roll. The runway positioning and lack of obstacles were advantageous.
Air Traffic Control
ATC provided aerodrome and approach control under mixed IFR/VFR traffic. The traffic was dense but not overly complicated. After the veer-off, TWR initiated a rescue operation. ATC observed the aircraft return to the runway and asked if the airplane was OK, then approved taxiing to the threshold. The pilot taxied via TWY GOLF to the apron. ATC shut down the runway and informed RFFS and ADO of no casualties. ADO inspected the runway, finding no damage or FOD, and operations resumed at 12:20.
Crew Qualifications
The pilot held PPL(A) and declared 120 hours of flying experience, exclusively on the type. The incident flight occurred after a nearly 3-month break, considered significant due to reduced experience and regression in piloting skills. No aircraft malfunctions were found. The runway geometry (3200 x 45 m) was favorable. Poor braking action was excluded; pavement was clear of snow and ice with good braking coefficients.
Landing
The loss of lateral control during flare, combined with decreasing speed toward stall, resulted in directional balance disturbance. This was attributed to improper selection of a touchdown point and the pilot's intention to flare before the runway-taxiway intersection. The pilot explained flaps were fully released, causing faster speed drop and reduced performance. Flying with full flaps at minimum speed just above the runway is risky. A rapid increase of engine power at stall speed with full flaps can cause lateral imbalance due to propeller torque. The airplane moved at high speed on frozen grass, with braking effect from rolling drag.
Analysis indicated lateral and directional balance was lost at touchdown. Roll or side-slip was not the cause of directional loss after touchdown.
Aircraft
Inspection found the aircraft and components were not related to the occurrence. Prior to the incident, the aircraft was operational. After landing, operator representatives found structural damage to the rear fuselage, horizontal stabilizer, and left wing. The aircraft was qualified for further structural inspection.
Rescue and Firefighting Service Response
Upon notification from TWR, RFFS vehicles departed to the waiting area. As the aircraft returned to the runway, RFFS followed, remaining on standby. Since the pilot reported no troubles and declined assistance, RFFS returned to the Watchtower.
Survivability Aspects
Any veer-off involves risk of accident and potential injuries. Hooking the wingtip on the runway surface could cause a ground loop or turnover. The paved strips on both runway edges were frozen. The light sport airplane exerted low ground load due to speed and lift.