What happened
On August 25, 2012, a Diamond DA 20-C1 aircraft, registration EC-KUX, was performing a solo instructional flight at Reus Airport (LERS) in Spain. The flight, conducted by a student pilot with 35 flight hours, involved practicing maneuvers and take-off and landing procedures. The flight was being supervised by the flight school's chief instructor, who was flying in a nearby aircraft.
During the landing sequence, the pilot initially completed a maneuver without issue. However, during the first landing attempt, the aircraft began to bounce on the runway, prompting the pilot to apply power and execute a go-around. A second attempt also resulted in a go-around. Despite efforts by the air traffic controller to calm the nervous student pilot, a third landing attempt led to the accident.
Upon touchdown during the third attempt, the aircraft bounced on the pavement and developed a leftward yaw. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to veer off the left side of runway 25. The aircraft crossed the runway safety area and struck the airport's perimeter fence. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft safely after shutting down the fuel and electrical systems. The aircraft sustained important damage to its structure, including damage to the propeller, wings, and fuselage, and the loss of both the nose and right main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the sequence of flight maneuvers. The aircraft's documentation was found to be in order, with the most recent 50-hour inspection completed in July 2012. The investigation focused on the pilot's inability to coordinate airspeed and attitude during the final approach and the subsequent loss of control during the bouncing sequence.
Findings
- The pilot was unable to properly coordinate the aircraft's speed and attitude during the approach, likely approaching at a speed higher than recommended.
- The repeated go-arounds contributed to an increase in the pilot's anxiety and insecurity.
- The pilot's loss of control was likely caused by an excessive application of the left brake pedal during the bouncing phase.
- The aircraft's impact with the perimeter fence caused significant structural damage, including a bent engine mount and potential internal engine damage due to propeller impact.