Sequence of Events
On 30 May 2025, a student pilot under the supervision of an instructor was conducting circuit training at EPPO airport in a Tecnam 2008JC, registration SP-SMG. After completing two check flights with the instructor, the student was cleared for solo circuits. Due to increasing traffic and a wild boar incursion on the runway, the student had to wait in a holding area and subsequently conducted a short approach as requested by the controller. The student reported that during the final approach, the aircraft was higher and closer to the touchdown point than in previous circuits. The landing was performed without a flare or round-out, touching down on three points at an increased speed, causing a bounce. The student did not make control inputs, expecting the aircraft to stabilize. Video evidence showed a second, stronger bounce, followed by a third bounce after which the nose pitched forward and the nose gear collapsed. The propeller struck the runway, sustaining damage, and the aircraft veered right before stopping on the runway. The student was uninjured.
Analysis
The investigation identified that the improper landing resulted from a shortened and steeper approach compared to earlier flights, a lack of flare and round-out phases, and the student's time pressure and misallocation of attention. The three-point touchdown at a speed above the minimum created conditions for bouncing. The student attempted to force the aircraft onto the runway with elevator control, leading to shock loading and failure of the nose gear.
Causes
The event was attributed to: (1) failure to execute flare and round-out, resulting in a three-point landing at excessive speed; (2) forceful attempts to keep the aircraft on the runway during bounces; (3) the student's failure to initiate a go-around; and (4) the instructor's lack of intervention in response to the student's errors before and after touchdown.
Contributing Factors
Contributing factors included: (1) a shortened approach that placed the student under time pressure; (2) conducting circuits in high traffic conditions at a controlled airport, which may have distracted the student; and (3) performing an unfamiliar approach from the north side of the airport, rather than the usual south side.
Safety Actions
The training organization briefed all personnel on the event, emphasizing proper supervision and go-around procedures. Additionally, the organization suspended circuit training at EPPO until further notice, citing traffic intensity as incompatible with safe solo operations. No safety recommendations were issued.