What happened
On June 9, 2003, a Fantasy Allegro 2000 (registration CS-UMA) departed from Espinho Aerodrome for a local VFR instructional flight. The flight involved a student pilot and an instructor. Following two successful circuits, the instructor determined the student was prepared for their first solo flight and exited the aircraft, advising the student that the aircraft might feel lighter than usual due to the reduced weight.
After completing one solo circuit, the student pilot felt the aircraft was behaving unusually and decided to perform a go-around upon touchdown. During the second approach, the student attempted another go-around. As the pilot applied sudden power to the engine, the aircraft experienced a sharp leftward yaw. The aircraft veered off the runway at an angle of approximately 35 degrees, causing the left wingtip to strike the ground. The aircraft then collided with an earthen mound located alongside the runway, resulting in damage to the propeller, nose gear, and left wing.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight history, the student's experience, and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation noted that the student pilot had 10:05 hours of total flight time and was on their 14th lesson. The instructor had observed the student's proficiency during dual instruction and deemed them ready for solo operations.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and the environmental conditions. The investigation found that the aircraft's documentation was valid, though the VHF radio equipment was not yet licensed. The investigation also considered the instructor's decision to allow the solo flight without a secondary method of communication, such as radio contact, to monitor the student's progress.