What happened
On January 31, 2013, a Cessna 152, registration PR-FLP, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) training mission at the Costa Esmeralda Aerodrome (SDEN) in Porto Belo, Santa Catarina. The aircraft had departed from Florianópolis (SBFL) with a student pilot on board.
During the first circuit of the traffic pattern, the aircraft touched down on the runway and subsequently climbed to an altitude of approximately two meters. In an attempt to return to the runway, the pilot applied forward elevator pressure. This maneuver caused the aircraft to strike the ground forcefully on the nose gear, which subsequently broke. The impact resulted in damage to the nose landing gear, the propeller, and the engine.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid medical certificate, though they did not yet possess a technical pilot certificate (CHT). At the time of the occurrence, the pilot had 23 total flight hours. The investigation verified that the Cessna 152 was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, and was within proper weight and balance limits. Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were found to be up to date.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the uncontrolled forward elevator input following a low-altitude climb, which led to a heavy nose gear impact.
- The student pilot was performing flight training maneuvers.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, and nose landing gear.
- The pilot remained uninjured during the event.