What happened
On July 1, 2023, a training flight was conducted at Szymanów Aerodrome (EPWS) involving a Diamond HK-36 R Super Dimona, registration SP-0082. The purpose of the flight was to allow a student pilot, holding an SPL license, to obtain a TMG1 rating under a declared training organization (DTO) program. The flight included a 30-minute circuit and four airfield patterns, during which the instructor demonstrated landing techniques using air brakes.
During the fourth circuit, while on final approach, the flight path became unstable. The pilot reacted late to a touchdown made at an excessive speed, causing the aircraft to bounce gently off the ground. Following this bounce, the student pilot failed to properly secure the glide angle and simultaneously deployed the air brakes.
Airport camera footage confirmed that after the initial bounce, the aircraft'ed nose excessively before making a second hard three-point landing. Although the instructor attempted to intervene by partially closing the air brakes, the force of the second impact caused the right landing gear wheel to detach from the strut. This led to the right wingtip striking the grass, causing the aircraft to rotate and come to a halt across the runway. There were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight sequence, including review of airport camera footage and the actions of both the student pilot and the instructor during the landing phase and the subsequent loss of directional control.
Findings
- The student pilot failed to properly secure the glide angle following the aircraft's bounce.
- The student pilot used the air brakes incorrectly during the unstable approach.
- The instructor's reaction to the student pilot's errors was delayed.