Incident Overview
On 30 July 2024, a Textron Aviation Cessna 172S, registered as SP-UTD, was conducting a series of circuit training flights at EPPG airport (Poznań-Ławica) as part of an integrated ATPL(A) course. The crew consisted of an instructor and a student pilot.
During the fifth landing approach, the student pilot misjudged the aircraft's height above the runway and initiated the flare below the recommended altitude. In an attempt to prevent a hard landing without a proper hold-off, the student abruptly pulled back on the control column. This initially caused the aircraft to porpoise, and subsequently, without increasing engine power, the aircraft entered a climb. The angle of attack increased, leading to a loss of lift and a reduction in airspeed. Neither pilot decided to execute a go-around. The instructor did not intervene in response to the student's improper actions.
The resulting stall caused the aircraft to drop toward the ground, and the tail section struck the runway. After touchdown on the main landing gear and deceleration, the aircraft taxied to the parking area under its own power. Both pilots were uninjured and exited the aircraft unassisted.
Damage Assessment
A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the lower part of the rudder, the tail cone skin, and the aft fuselage closing frame.
Findings
The incident was attributed to an incorrect assessment of height during descent and the execution of the flare below the prescribed altitude.
Contributing factors included the lack of a decision to perform a go-around and the instructor's failure to react to the student pilot's erroneous actions.
As a preventive measure, the investigating entity conducted additional instructional flights with the instructor.
No safety recommendations were issued.