What happened
On November 20, 2015, a student pilot operating for EAA Escola de Aviação Aerocondor SA took off from Ponte de Sor Aerodrome (LPSO) for a solo training flight in a Schweizer 269C helicopter, registration G-STEP. After climbing to 1,30 and performing maneuvers in the GALVE working area, the pilot decided to return to the airfield after reporting a sensation of something coming loose within the cyclic control.
While on the downwind leg of the approach, the pilot entered a state of panic and ceased responding to air traffic control communications. During this period of high stress, the pilot initiated an abrupt descent. In the process, the aircraft struck three electrical power lines that were beneath the flight path. The impact caused the cables to become entangled in the main rotor mast, leading to a violent collision with the ground. Although the Schweizer 269C was destroyed, the student pilot was able to evacuate the wreckage with no injuries.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the pilot's actions and the psychological state of the crew. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records and flight performance, finding no evidence of technical failure or mechanical malfunction. The investigation also looked into the training background of the student and the recent history of the flight school, noting that a fatal accident involving a student and instructor from the same course had occurred less than a year prior.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was human factors, specifically the student pilot's lack of technical and psychological preparation for solo flight.
- The student pilot experienced a state of high psychological stress and panic following a perceived mechanical sensation (a "click" in the cyclic), which led to an improper emergency descent procedure.
- The pilot's learning curve was noted as deficient, and the investigation suggested the student lacked the necessary natural ability and should have been under closer supervision or dismissed from the course.
- A significant contributing factor was the psychological impact of a previous fatal accident at the same school, which had left students highly susceptible to alarm from minor noises or vibrations.
Safety action
- Safety Recommendation 01/2018 to EASA: It is recommended that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) study the mandatory implementation of psychotechnical assessments, including intelligence and aptitude tests, during the candidate selection process for professional CPL(A)/(H) training at Approved Training Organizations (ATOs).