What happened
On February 8, 2023, a Cessna 172R aircraft, registration VT-RGT, was performing a solo circuit and landing training sortie at Thiruvananthapuram Airport. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot following a successful dual training session with an instructor.
During the takeoff roll on runway 32, the pilot applied full power. As the aircraft accelerated past 40 knots, it began to veer toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying full right rudder, but the input was ineffective. The aircraft subsequently exited the paved runway onto an unpaved surface. While traveling across the uneven terrain, the aircraft struck a mound of sand, causing the nose to pitch down sharply. The momentum caused the aircraft to flip onto its back, coming to rest in an inverted position. The student pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
AAIB India investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's training records, and the organizational practices of the flight academy. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness documents, including the Certificate of Registration and Certificate of Airworthiness, were valid. Technical inspections of the rudder controls and braking system revealed no mechanical abnormalities or pending maintenance snags.
Investigators also reviewed the training environment, noting that the flight instructor had briefed the student pilot on the expected change in aircraft handling (specifically a more sensitive nose-up tendency) due to the reduction in weight after the instructor disembarked. However, the investigation found that the briefing and debriefing procedures were not being conducted in accordance with established standard operating procedures.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control resulting from improper aircraft handling.
- The pilot became fixated on the airspeed indicator, which led to a loss of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's lateral movement.
- A lack of sufficient training and exposure to rejected takeoff procedures prevented the pilot from effectively aborting the flight once the deviation began.
- The aircraft's inherent left-turning tendency, combined with a lack of back pressure, caused the aircraft to wheel-barrow on the left gear.
- There was a lack of continuity in the student pilot's training due to irregular breaks in instruction.
Safety action
- It is recommended that regulatory authorities mandate the inclusion of rejected takeoff training in all approved training manuals.
- Guidance should be provided to flight training organizations to enhance the implementation of Threat and Error Management (TEM) techniques.
- Recommendations were made to establish recency requirements for student pilots to ensure training standards are maintained despite training gaps.