History of the Flight
The student pilot, on her second solo flight, was conducting visual circuits at Cranfield Airport. Runway 03 was in use with good weather and wind from 030° at 6 kt. During the first approach, the aircraft was too fast and high. Despite selecting full flaps, the approach remained unstable, and the pilot elected to execute a go-around. Flaps were retracted to takeoff, nose pitched up, and the pilot believed full power was applied. However, the aircraft did not climb as expected. The pilot observed the IAS decreasing and lowered the nose to maintain airspeed, causing descent. She momentarily retracted flaps, then re-selected takeoff and full flaps. Crossing the end of the runway, IAS was "dangerously low". Flaps were retracted to takeoff to extend range, but the aircraft struck the hedge. Stall warning sounded at about 60 kt. The aircraft came to rest in a field. The pilot vacated with minor injuries and received assistance. The aircraft was damaged beyond economical repair.
Recorded Information
The EFIS memory card data showed the go-around was initiated at about 215 ft aal, IAS 100 kt. Pitch increased to about 4° nose up. IAS then decreased to 68 kt as height increased to about 240 ft aal. The aircraft then descended, IAS increased to 80 kt, height varied below 60 ft aal, then IAS reduced again, and the aircraft descended further and struck the hedge. Throughout the go-around, engine power remained stable at about 13%. Throttle and flap positions and stall warning were not recorded.
Engine Examination
The engine control unit was sent to the manufacturer. No electrical failure was recorded, all parameters were in normal range. The manufacturer concluded there was no technical issue with the engine or its control system.
Pilot Comments
The pilot commented she was convinced she selected full power. She added that a lack of experience contributed as she focused on solving the lack of performance and continued trying to climb when it would have been preferable to land.
Conclusion
The aircraft did not have enough performance to climb after the go-around. Recorded data showed power remained at 13%. The manufacturer considered the engine and control system normal, and no cause could be established to explain why power did not respond to reported throttle movement. While the pilot lowered the nose to maintain speed, the aircraft descended and struck the hedge on the airfield boundary.