What happened
On November 26, 2024, a Tecnam P2006T, registration SP-CLE, was conducting multi-engine instrument rating (MEP(L)) training at EPCD airport. The flight crew, consisting of an instructor and a student pilot, was performing engine-out approach and landing simulations.
During the second training circuit, the instructor simulated a failure of the left engine by reducing its power to idle. Following the fourth turn, the student pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude or power on the operating engine, resulting in an approach profile below the required glidepath. This necessitated a missed approach and a second attempt.
On the second attempt, the instructor again simulated the left engine failure but opted to land without deploying flaps. The student pilot executed a wider turn than in the previous attempt, increasing the distance between the fourth turn and the threshold of runway 18L. Upon aligning with the runway, the student pilot again failed to maintain the necessary altitude, as indicated by four red PAPI lights. Furthermore, the crew failed to follow the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) procedures, specifically neglecting to set the propeller of the inoperative engine to the feathered position.
Although the instructor alerted the student to increase power to stabilize the trajectory, the student only slightly increased the manifold pressure. The instructor did not intervene to correct the insufficient power setting. Consequently, the aircraft undershot the runway threshold, resulting in a premature touchdown. The impact damaged two runway edge lights, the landing gear strut, and the lower fuselage skin. There were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The PKBWL reviewed documentation provided by the investigating entity and concluded that the findings were sufficient to close the investigation.
Findings
- The approach to landing was unstable, characterized by a simultaneous loss of altitude on the glidepath.
- The student pilot failed to follow the AFM and checklist procedures during the simulated engine failure approach.
- The instructor failed to react to the student pilot's improper power management and procedural errors.