What happened
On 11 October 2014, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Grob G115E Tutor, registration G-BYWK, at Colerne Airfield, Somerset. Prior to this flight, the student had completed a series of circuit consolidation exercises under instructor supervision. Following a period of successful landings, the instructor authorized the student to attempt her first solo circuit.
The weather conditions were favorable, with clear skies and a 9-knot wind from 220°.
During the initial landing attempt on Runway 20, the aircraft bounced several times. The student pilot responded by executing a successful go-around. However, during the subsequent second landing attempt, the aircraft experienced repeated bounces. This led to a period of pilot induced oscillation before the student managed to stabilize the aircraft on the runway surface. Following the incident, the pilot was directed to taxi away from the active runway.
The investigation
An investigation was initiated following the submission of an accident report by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the flight sequence and the instructor's observations from the control tower. The inspection of the aircraft revealed that the propeller and the tail skid had made contact with the runway surface during the bouncing sequence.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the tail skid.
- There were no injuries to the crew.
- The incident occurred during a solo training operation.
- The primary factor contributing to the damage was the aircraft's instability and subsequent contact with the ground during a series of bounces.