Student Pilot Solo Flight Ends in Terrain Collision at Moorabbin

Casualties unknown • Moorabbin Aerodrome, Victoria

A student pilot lost control of a BRM Aero Bristell during a go-around attempt, resulting in a stall and spin into terrain near Moorabbin Airport.

What happened

On 12 December 2019, a student pilot was performing circuit training in a BRM Aero Bristell, registration VH-YVF, at Moorablin Airport, Victoria. During the first approach of a touch-and-go sequence, the pilot noticed the aircraft drifting left of the runway centerline, likely due to crosswind conditions. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a significant pitch-up tendency, leading to an aerodynamic stall and the onset of a left spin. The aircraft subsequently collided with the ground on a grass area adjacent to the runway. There were no fatalities reported in the accident.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the pilot's authorization to fly solo and the flight school's dispatch protocols. It was determined that the student pilot mistakenly believed they were cleared for solo operations following a single instructional flight the previous day. Although the flight instructor did not explicitly deny solo permission, the student had not yet completed essential training, such as stall or crosswind landing practice. Furthermore, the student pilot proceeded with the flight despite expressing discomfort with the aircraft type and incorrectly assuming that solo flight procedures were unnecessary during their current training phase. The investigation found that the school's solo flight dispatch procedures were not strictly followed, which would have otherwise flagged the student's lack of required competencies and the risks posed by the prevailing winds.

Findings

  • The student pilot lacked the necessary skills and qualifications to operate the BRM Aero Bristell solo.
  • The flight school's solo flight dispatch procedures were not adhered to, preventing the identification of the pilot's lack of authorization.
  • The pilot's familiarity with the aircraft was minimal, specifically regarding its tendency to pitch up during power applications and its behavior during stalls.
  • The aircraft stalled and entered a spin during a low-level go-around after the pilot failed to manage the pitch-up tendency.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the student pilot's lack of proficiency in the aircraft's handling characteristics during a go-around, compounded by a failure to follow established solo flight dispatch procedures which would have identified the pilot's lack of authorization and training.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-12-12 BRM Aero S.R.O. BRISTELL S-LSA accident near Moorabbin Aerodrome, Victoria?

A student pilot lost control of a BRM Aero Bristell during a go-around attempt, resulting in a stall and spin into terrain near Moorabbin Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-12-12 involved a BRM Aero S.R.O. BRISTELL S-LSA, registration VH-YVF, operated by SOAR AVIATION AIRCRAFT HOLDING PTY LTD, at Moorabbin Aerodrome, Victoria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the student pilot's lack of proficiency in the aircraft's handling characteristics during a go-around, compounded by a failure to follow established solo flight dispatch procedures which would have identified the pilot's lack of authorization and training.

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