What happened
On March 28, 2023, a Cessna 152, registered CS-AZB, departed from Ponte de Sor airfield for a training flight. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot with a flight instructor on board. After performing maneuvers southeast of the airfield, the aircraft returned to the circuit.
During the approach to runway 21, the student pilot initiated a right turn that deviated from the established procedures. Confused by the aircraft's position relative to the ground, the student pilot flew south, joining a left downwind for runway 03 and failing to respond to instructions from the Aerodrome Traffic Information Officer (AITA). Despite instructions from the AITA to rejoin the right downwind for runway 21, the student pilot continued an unstabilized approach.
Due to excessive altitude and airspeed, the aircraft overflew the entire length of runway 21. After passing the end of the runway, the aircraft deviated 50 degrees to the left, striking the left landing gear on the ground. The right wing subsequently struck an ILS equipment building located near the threshold of runway 03, causing the aircraft to roll over into an inverted position on nearby raised ground. The impact caused the total separation of the rear fuselage and a small fire in the engine compartment due to ruptured fuel lines.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight records, the student pilot's training history, and the instructor's experience. The investigation noted that the student pilot had recently begun solo flight operations and had previously demonstrated difficulties with aircraft control and stabilized approaches during training. The investigation also reviewed the competence and standardization of the flight instructors at the Approved Training Organization (ATO).
Findings
- The student pilot had a total of 24:30 flight hours, with this being her first solo mission involving a return to the airfield circuit.
- The flight instructor had 358:40 total flight hours, with 104:50 hours as an instructor, and was performing his first student pilot training.
- The student pilot had previously required repeated lessons due to issues with aircraft control during circuit approaches.
- The aircraft was destroyed, and the student pilot sustained minor injuries.
- The accident was caused by the pilot's inability to maintain a stabilized approach, leading to an overshoot and subsequent collision with ground infrastructure.
Safety action
- PT.SIA 2023/02 (Reiterated): It is recommended that the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) evaluate the current flight instructor standardization process at professional flight schools (ATOs) and implement improvements for evaluating instructor performance.