What happened
On July 2, 2005, a Cessna F152T, registration CS-DDY, was conducting a solo instructional flight at the Cascais Municipal Aerodrome. The flight was part of a commercial pilot training program operated by Aerocondor Aviation School. After completing several supervised circuits with an instructor, the student pilot was cleared to perform solo circuits.
Following the third landing on runway 35, the student pilot allowed the aircraft to roll down the runway toward taxiway S. Upon deciding to apply the brakes to exit via taxiway R, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer to the left. The aircraft exited the runway and traveled across the grass, gaining speed due to the sloping terrain.
As the aircraft approached a drainage ditch on the western side of the runway, the right main gear struck an exposed sewage pipe. This impact caused the aircraft to nose into the ditch, where the propeller and engine cowling struck the concrete wall. The left wing also struck the opposite bank of the ditch, causing significant structural damage to the airframe, including the fuel tanks and cockpit canopy. The student pilot, the sole occupant, escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training progress, and the airfield infrastructure. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance was up to date and that the braking system was fully operational. The investigation also reviewed the student pilot's recent training, noting that the instructor had deemed the student proficient enough for solo flight based on recent performance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the student pilot's deficient handling technique during the deceleration phase, which led to the loss of directional control.
- The lack of a cover over the drainage ditch acted as a contributing factor, significantly increasing the severity of the damage to the aircraft.
- The presence of the open ditch in close proximity to the runway edge presented a significant hazard during runway excursions.