What happened
On August 21, 2003, a Socata TB 200 (registration CS-DEL) was conducting a solo VFR navigation training flight from Évora to Portimão. While flying near Aljezur at 3,000 feet, the pilot encountered clouds and haze covering the Monchique mountains, resulting in a loss of visual contact with the terrain. After requesting a descent to 2,500 feet and receiving radar vectors to return to Portimão, the pilot approached the aerodrome.
During the final approach, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence. The pilot failed to maintain a stabilized approach and performed a hard landing on the main gear. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce back into the air. In an attempt to correct the flight path, the pilot lowered the nose, causing the nose gear to strike the runway violently. The impact burst the nose tire, damaged the gear leg, and caused the propeller to strike the asphalt three times. The aircraft subsequently veered left and came to rest off the runway.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training history, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation noted that the pilot, a 19-year-old student, had very limited flight experience. Investigators also analyzed the communication between the pilot and air traffic services, noting that a language barrier and high stress levels contributed to the difficulty in managing the situation. The investigation also reviewed the flight training syllabus of the Academia Aeronáutica de Évora.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot's inability to maintain a stabilized approach with the correct speed and descent rate, leading to a failure to execute an appropriate flare and the subsequent nose gear impact.
- Moderate turbulence during the final approach made it difficult to maintain a constant airspeed and descent rate.
- The pilot's limited flight experience and lack of familiarity with the specific approach characteristics at Portimão prevented an effective recovery after the initial bounce.
- High stress levels and anxiety, triggered by the loss of visual references in the clouds, diminished the pilot's operational capacity.
- A language barrier hindered effective communication, as the pilot's primary language was not Portuguese or English, making it difficult to receive technical support from other aircraft or controllers.
Safety action
- The GPIAAF recommended that the Academia Aeronáutica de Évora review its flight training syllabus to delay solo navigation flights until students have acquired more experience, practiced emergency procedures, and demonstrated proficiency in instrument flight.