What happened
On May 20, 2021, a Cessna 152, registration EC-MFF, was performing a solo instructional flight at A Coruña Airport (LECO) when it experienced an accident during landing. The student pilot was conducting a local flight in crosswind conditions, with winds reported at approximately 10 knots.
During the final approach, the pilot deployed the third flap setting while overflying the runway threshold. This configuration, combined with an approach speed approximately 10 knots higher than recommended for that flap setting, created an excessive amount of lift. As the aircraft transitioned from the approach to the landing phase, it experienced a significant floating effect.
In an attempt to counteract the float and prevent the aircraft from dropping, the pilot applied engine power. This caused the aircraft to pitch up abruptly, followed by a sharp nose-down input by the pilot to force the aircraft onto the runway. The resulting impact was violent, causing the aircraft to bounce at least three times on the asphalt. During the third bounce, the nose landing gear strut fractured, causing the propeller to strike the runway surface.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined flight tracking data, airport security footage, and the aircraft's maintenance and operational records. The investigation reconstructed the flight path, confirming that the aircraft maintained a steady descent until the final moments of the approach.
Investigators also reviewed the flight school's operational manual and the pre-flight briefing process. It was determined that the flight instructor, who was supervising the flight from the ground, had relied solely on the METAR (current weather) and had failed to consult the TAFOR (weather forecast). The TAFOR indicated a crosswind component that exceeded the flight school's specific safety limits for solo student operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to adhere to the flight school's operational procedures by both the instructor and the student pilot, which led to the incorrect execution of the crosswind landing maneuver.
- A contributing factor was the decision to change the aircraft's configuration (deploying the third flap) very late in the final approach.
- The student pilot'ated an approach speed significantly higher than the recommended range for the selected flap setting, contributing to the floating effect.
- The instructor failed to properly assess the weather forecast, which would have indicated that the predicted crosswind exceeded the maximum 5-knot limit allowed for solo student flights under the school's manual.