What happened
On 9 July 2020, a Tecnam P2002-JF, registration LY-FTC, was performing a solo instructional flight at Lleida-Alguaire Airport. The flight, operated by BAA Training, involved a student pilot traveling to Huesca Airport for training maneuvers before returning to Lleida.
After completing the scheduled flight segments, the student pilot approached runway 13 for the final landing of the day. The aircraft touched down without initial incident; however, as the pilot attempted to decelerate, the aircraft veered sharply to the left. This sudden maneuver caused the tip of the right wing to strike the runway pavement multiple times and resulted in the collapse of the nose gear leg. The aircraft slid along the asphalt, with the propeller striking the ground, before coming to a halt at an angle of approximately 135 degrees to the runway centerline. The student pilot, who was wearing a safety harness, was unharmed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the student's training records, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft had 1,305 hours of total operation and was within its maintenance schedule. Meteorological conditions were CAVOK with virtually calm winds and a temperature of 32°C.
Investigators analyzed the student's braking technique and the aircraft's ground speed. While the pilot reported a perception of high ground speed, calculations indicated a ground speed of approximately 71.3 knots, which was not unusual for the aircraft type under the prevailing high-temperature conditions. The investigation also reviewed the student's previous experience, noting that the pilot had successfully performed landings at higher speeds during flapless training sessions.
Findings
- The loss of control was triggered by the pilot's decision to apply the brakes after traveling only about 50 meters down the runway.
- The pilot applied the brakes asymmetrically and abruptly rather than using gradual pressure.
- The aircraft's braking system was fully operational and showed no signs of mechanical failure.
- The runway surface was in good condition and did not contribute to the loss of directional control.