What happened
On May 31, 2025, a Cessna 152, registration SP-KMG, was conducting training circuits for runway 26 at EPML airport. The crew consisted of a student pilot and an instructor. Following five successful circuits, the instructor determined the student was prepared for solo flight operations. While the first solo circuit, a touch-and-go, was completed normally, difficulties arose during the second circuit due to increasing winds.
During the second landing, the instructor had instructed the student to stop the aircraft after the landing roll. However, the student approached the runway at a steep angle and landed on the nose gear. This caused the aircraft to bounce three times along the runway. During the final bounce, the nose gear strut failed, causing the propeller to strike the runway surface. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including damage to the lower fuselage skin. The student pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the environmental conditions involving increasing winds, and the student's performance during the transition to solo flight. The inquiry focused on the landing technique, the decision-making process regarding a missed approach, and the mechanical failure of the nose gear following the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a steep approach angle and delayed flare during the landing phase.
- The student pilot failed to properly manage the aircraft's bounce, leading to a partial loss of control.
- The crew failed to execute a go-around (second circuit) despite the deteriorating landing conditions.
- Stress associated with the student's initial solo flights acted as a contributing factor.