Overview
On 9 August 2023, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration SP-REL, was involved in a serious incident at Pobiednik near Krakow Airport (EPKP). The aircraft was being used for flight training by an instructor and a student pilot.
Sequence of Events
Prior to the incident, the instructor briefed the student on task A, exercise 11 – low circuit flights. They then conducted ten dual flights over more than 30 minutes, followed by a 30-minute break. At 11:53, the student pilot began solo flights under the instructor's supervision. The instructor maintained radio contact and positioned herself near the runway touchdown area.
During the approach to landing on the seventh solo flight, the student touched down on the nose wheel, causing the aircraft to bounce. The instructor radioed several times for the student to increase engine power. The student responded with a delay, resulting in the aircraft porpoising with increasing amplitude. On a subsequent bounce, the nose gear collapsed, the propeller contacted the ground, and the left wing tip struck the runway. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway with the engine shut down.
Damage and Toxicology
The student reported via radio that he was uninjured and exited the cockpit unassisted. Post-incident inspection revealed damage to the nose gear, propeller, and left wing tip. Both the student and instructor underwent breath alcohol tests, which yielded negative results.
Cause
The cause of the incident was determined to be:
- Student pilot error involving failure to flare during the landing phase, resulting in a bounce (kangaroo).
- Incorrect correction of the bounce during landing.
Contributing Factors
Two factors were identified as contributing:
- The student pilot had progressed easily through training stages, leading to overconfidence, which may have reduced focus during low circuit flights.
- The incident occurred during the seventh consecutive solo flight without a break, potentially weakening the student's perception.
Preventive Actions
The investigating body recommended and/or implemented the following preventive actions:
- The incident was discussed with the student pilot.
- The incident was discussed during a briefing with all flight instructors of the Krakow Aeroclub.
- The incident will be discussed at the annual Safety Conference.
No additional safety recommendations were formulated.