What happened
On August 20, 2014, at approximately 12:30 UTC, a Cessna 152, registration CS-DPD, was performing a solo instructional flight from Cascais to Évora. The aircraft, operated by Escola de Aviação Omni, was on approach to runway 01 at Évora Aerodrome. The weather conditions featured clear skies, visibility exceeding 10 km, and a temperature of 30°C, with winds from the west at 9 knots.
As the aircraft touched down, it experienced a slight bounce and a tendency to veer to the left. In an attempt to counteract this movement and avoid a runway excursion, the pilot applied opposite rudder and increased power with the intention of executing a go-around. However, due to excessive approach speed, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The aircraft veered left, exiting the runway and striking a small ditch. The impact with the nose gear caused the gear to fracture, leading to a significant bounce and a subsequent vertical nose-over. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight history, aircraft condition, and the pilot's actions. The investigation established that the pilot, a 25-year-old student with approximately 51 hours of total flight time, was performing his ninth solo flight. The investigation noted that the pilot had failed to establish contact with the tower information agent during the final approach. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, finding that the Cessna 152 was fully compliant with all required inspections and was in perfect working order prior to the accident.
Findings
- The pilot was operating at the maximum crosswind limit established by the flight school's operating manual.
- The approach was not stabilized, characterized by excessive airspeed at touchdown.
- The pilot experienced indecision during the landing phase, vacillating between completing the landing and initiating a go-around.
- The attempt to keep the nose wheel off the ground made the aircraft more susceptible to the effects of the crosswind.
- The pilot's application of increased power during the excursion actually increased the energy that needed to be dissipated, contributing to the severity of the excursion.
- There were no injuries to the pilot, who exited the aircraft unaided.
Safety action
To promote safer flight operations, the GPIAAF recommends that flight school instructors and students emphasize the necessity of maintaining stabilized approaches. Pilots must be prepared to reject an unstable approach and execute a go-around whenever conditions do not permit a safe landing.