History of the Flight
On 16 November 2024 at 09:45 UTC, a Pipistrelle Virus SW121, registration 5BCMN, was operating under visual flight rules with a student pilot. The flight, authorized by a qualified instructor from an approved training organization, involved touch-and-go maneuvers on runway 22 at Larnaca International Airport.
During the first landing attempt, the aircraft bounced. This resulted in fracturing the nose wheel fork and tire. The propeller also contacted the runway and was torn. The pilot, unaware of the damage, executed a go-around.
On the second landing attempt, the aircraft landed on runway 22 but had no steering. It came to a stop abeam taxiway B, blocking the runway. An emergency was declared, and all emergency services were informed. The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Board (AAIIB) was notified by air traffic control. The aircraft was subsequently moved to a maintenance hangar.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft
The nose wheel and right main landing gear were damaged. The propeller was torn.
Other Damage
No significant runway damage was reported.
Pilot Information
The student pilot held a Cyprus private pilot license and a valid medical certificate, with a total of 27.2 flight hours. All training had been conducted by qualified instructors at a flight school authorized by the Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Pipistrelle Virus SW121 (model SW121A), registration 5BCMN, owned and operated by an authorized training organization. All certificates and documents were valid at the time of the accident. The maximum take-off weight was 600 kg, and the aircraft was equipped with a two-blade propeller type MTV-33-1-A/170-200.