What happened
On September 18, 2021, a Cessna 152, registration PR-EJV, was performing a solo flight for private pilot training at the Comandante Rolim Adolfo Amaro Airport (SBJD) in Jundiaí, Brazil. The student pilot, who had approximately 28 total flight hours, had departed from runway 18. During the flight, air traffic control informed the pilot that the active runway had changed to runway 36 due to a shift in wind direction.
During the approach to runway 36, the aircraft was traveling at a speed of approximately 75 to 80 knots, which exceeded the recommended 70 knots specified in the aircraft's manual. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began a series of bounces, a phenomenon known as porpoising. The pilot attempted to lower the nose to stabilize the aircraft, but this action caused the nose gear to strike the runway. The aircraft bounced a second and third time, with the final impact causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the gear failure. Investigators examined the pilot's experience level, the meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's technical status. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and that all maintenance logs were up to date. Meteorological reports indicated favorable conditions for visual flight, though a change in wind direction had prompted the runway change. The investigation specifically analyzed the physics of the porpoising effect and the pilot's decision-making during the unstable approach.
Findings
- The pilot's lack of experience and emotional distraction regarding the runway change affected his decision-making.
- The approach was conducted at a speed higher than the recommended limits.
- The aircraft entered a porpoising cycle, characterized by repeated bounces and dives.
- The nose landing gear failed following the third impact with the runway.
- The pilot's application of flight controls contributed to the instability of the landing.