2019 Cessna 172 accident at Madrid Cuatro Vientos (EC-HQU)

Overview and flight details On 22 May 2019, a Cessna 172 with registration EC-HQU, owned and operated by European Flyers, was involved in an accident at Madrid Cuatro Vientos Airport (LECU). The aircraft was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) general-aviation training flight. The student pilot had completed six takeoffs and landings with an instructor before performing a seventh takeoff and landing, after which the instructor indicated the student was ready for a first solo circuit. ## Sequence of events After the solo takeoff, the student pilot completed a full left-hand circuit and made a stabilized, smooth landing on runway 27. While exiting the runway via taxiway L3 on the left side, the pilot lost control while merging onto the taxiway and struck a sign. The nose landing-gear wheel collapsed, the propeller struck the ground, and the aircraft came to rest near the airport fence with its longitudinal axis at 90 degrees to the runway axis. ## Injuries, damage, and investigation The student pilot was uninjured and exited the aircraft under his own power. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the landing gear and propeller, and a sign indicating the location of the platform was torn out. The student pilot was 20 years old, held a student pilot license (SPL(A)) issued by AESA on 12 June 2018, and had 18:33 hours of experience over nine flights from 19 March to 16 May 2019. The Cessna F-172-L, serial number 1172-60658, was built in 1972 and had 11,811 flight hours at the time of the incident. ## Probable cause The investigation determined that the accident occurred because, while attempting to stop the aircraft, the student pilot pressed the lower part of the pedal, acting on the rudder instead of the brakes. Lack of experience and possible relaxation after the stress of a first solo flight at a controlled airport were identified as possible contributing factors.