What happened
On March 27, 2025, at 15:55 local time, a student pilot was performing a series of ten solo circuit flights near Dęblin Airport (EPDE). During the landing phase of one of these flights, the Diamond DA20-C1, registration SP-NKT, bounced off the runway surface after touchdown. In response to the bounce, the student pilot applied aft elevator input (pushing the control stick back). This action caused the aircraft to undergo three successive bounces, during which the nose wheel and the propeller struck the runway surface, resulting in damage to both components. The student pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight sequence and the pilot's control inputs during the landing flare and touchdown. The PKBWL reviewed the circumstances surrounding the student's solo maneuvers and the mechanical impact of the aircraft with the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the student pilot's improper distribution of attention during the landing phase, which led to the incorrect application of control inputs after touchdown.
- The pilot utilized an incorrect technique for correcting landing errors, specifically by applying aft stick input following the initial bounce, which exacerbated the instability of the aircraft.