Incident Overview
On 18 August 2018 at 1330 UTC, a Diamond DA40 D Diamond Star (registration G-CCFS, serial number D4.034) operated by a training school was conducting circuit training at Full Sutton Airfield, Yorkshire. The aircraft, powered by a single Thielert TAE 125-02-114 piston engine, sustained a hard landing during which it veered left of the runway. The student pilot, aged 49 with a total of 37 flying hours (all on type), was the sole occupant and reported no injuries. Damage was limited to the pitot tube on the left wing, propeller, tailskid, and nosewheel spat.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot held a student pilot licence and had accumulated 37 hours of flight experience, all on the DA40 type. In the 90 days prior, he had flown 34 hours, with 16 hours in the last 28 days. The instructor noted that the student, who had completed 35 hours of dual instruction, was considered competent to conduct solo circuits and landings. He had successfully performed five previous solo landings interspersed with ongoing instruction sessions.
Circumstances
According to the pilot's report, the aircraft experienced a hard landing during a circuit training detail, causing it to veer left. The instructor commented that the student flared too high and then allowed the aircraft to descend too rapidly, resulting in the hard landing. The student expressed his belief that the accident could have been avoided had he opted to abandon the landing and execute a go-around.
Damage Assessment
The hard landing resulted in damage to the pitot tube on the left wing, the propeller, the tailskid, and the nosewheel spat. No other damage was reported. The aircraft was manufactured in 2003.