What happened
On December 21, 2011, an Aerobello AB115, registration PP-FLK, was performing its first solo flight as part of a Private Pilot License training program at the Erechim Aerodrome in Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Aeroclube de Erechim, was executing a landing on runway 32.
During the flare, the aircraft touched down on the centerline but subsequently drifted to the left. The aircraft bounced three times before exiting the runway perimeter and colliding with a drainage ditch. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the engine, propeller, wings, and landing gear. The student pilot sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that while the student pilot had accumulated over 70 flight hours—an amount above the average for this stage of training—flight records indicated persistent difficulties with landing maneuvers. Since the seventh pre-solo mission, the student's performance in landing exercises had consistently been rated as merely satisfactory, and much of the recent training had been restricted specifically to landing and approach practice.
The investigation also identified significant lapses in instructional oversight. Flight logs lacked proper review or signatures from the Practical Instruction Coordinator, which is a required supervisory role. Furthermore, the grading system used by instructors was inconsistent with established manuals; some missions were awarded a final passing grade despite individual exercises being marked as deficient.
Findings
- Inadequate pilot experience: The student pilot lacked the necessary proficiency to manage the aircraft during a critical phase of flight.
- Instructional deficiencies: The student was permitted to proceed to a solo flight despite documented, unaddressed landing difficulties.
- Lack of managerial supervision: There was a failure in the oversight of practical instruction by the flight school's coordination.
- Environmental factors: A sudden change in wind direction and intensity occurred during the approach, which, combined with the aircraft's known ground maneuverability characteristics, contributed to the loss of directional control.
- Improper use of controls: The pilot failed to use appropriate rudder inputs to correct the aircraft's deviation after the initial touchdown.