What happened
On May 3, 2013, a Neiva CAP-4, registration PP-GDO, was conducting a flight training mission at the Itanhaém Aerodrome (SDIM) in São Paulo. The flight, operated by Aeroclube de Itanhaém, involved an instructor and a student performing flight exercises, specifically touch-and-go landings, under visual meteorological conditions and calm winds.
During the fifth landing attempt on runway 15, the aircraft performed a standard runway landing. However, immediately after the main landing gear made contact with the runway, the pilot applied excessive forward pressure on the control column. This maneuver caused the propeller to strike the runway surface. The impact caused a rapid deceleration of the engine, which was already at idle power, and resulted in damage to the propeller. The aircraft was able to complete the landing roll normally, and both occupants escaped the incident uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA IV confirmed that both the instructor and the student held valid medical and technical certificates, and both were properly qualified for the flight. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. However, investigators identified inaccuracies in the aircraft's maintenance records.
Findings
- The primary cause of the propeller strike was the excessive forward movement of the control column by the student pilot following the main gear touchdown.
- The instructor was unable to intervene effectively in time to prevent the propeller from contacting the ground.
- Inaccuracies were noted in the aircraft's maintenance logs.
Safety action
Following the investigation, instructors were advised on the necessity of timely intervention during critical flight phases. The student received guidance on the correct techniques for landing conventional gear aircraft, specifically maintaining a proper nose attitude to ensure propeller clearance. Additionally, the Aeroclube de Itanhaém was instructed to ensure the precision and accuracy of all maintenance records. CENIPA also recommended that ANAC emphasize the importance of instructor and student preparation regarding the handling of conventional aircraft during inspections and educational activities.