What happened
On October 2, 2014, at approximately 12:15 UTC, a Grob G-115A, registration D-EVUC, was performing a solo instructional flight at the Cascais Municipal Aerodrome (LPCS). The aircraft, operated by AWA Aeronautical Web Academy, was being piloted by a student with approximately 43 hours of total flight experience, conducting only their fourth solo flight.
During the landing phase on runway 35, the aircraft's approach was not stabilized. As the pilot attempted to decelerate on the runway, the left main landing gear fairing struck a lateral runway edge light. The impact caused damage to the fairing and also damaged the runway light itself. The pilot did not immediately realize the collision had occurred and continued taxiing to the parking apron as instructed by the control tower.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight parameters, weather conditions, and the pilot's experience level. Investigators noted that the pilot was a student in an ATPL(A) course. The weather at the time of the incident was favorable for VFR flight, with visibility exceeding 10 km, clear skies, and a temperature of 27°C. However, a crosswind of 8 knots from 090 degrees was present.
Technical analysis of the aircraft showed no mechanical irregularities; the Grob G-115A was fully functional and maintained according to its inspection program. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's approach, noting that the landing was long and the aircraft touched down on the left side of the runway centerline.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was inadequate crosswind correction techniques during the landing phase.
- The approach was not stabilized, characterized by an excessive speed and a long flare.
- The pilot failed to maintain the runway centerline, leading to the contact with the edge light.
- The existing crosswind, while within operational limits, acted as a contributing factor due to the pilot's limited experience and the difficulty of managing a low-wing aircraft in such conditions.