What happened
On April 15, 2012, a CESSNA F150M was conducting a training flight near Sierra airport (EBLG) involving a student pilot and an instructor. The flight was intended to simulate forced landing procedures in preparation for a private pilot license examination.
During the exercise, the student pilot attempted a simulated engine failure from 2,500 feet. After the student was unable to reach the intended landing field, the instructor took control of the aircraft to demonstrate how to select an alternative landing site. As the instructor maneuvered the aircraft toward a second field, the plane descended to a height estimated between 10 and 25 meters. While the crew heard a loud bang and felt a shock, they did not visually identify the obstacle before the impact. The aircraft struck an electrical cable, causing damage to the engine cowling, spinner, propeller blades, and the right wing leading edge. Following the impact, the instructor determined the aircraft remained controllable and the engine was performing normally, subsequently deciding to return to the home base.
The investigation
The AAIU(Be) investigation focused on the flight parameters, the regulatory environment, and the instructor's decision-making process. Investigators examined the damage to the CESSNA F150M, which included scratches on the propeller and burning traces near the air intake, consistent with a cable strike.
The inquiry also reviewed the differences between Belgian and US aviation regulations. The instructor, who had significant flight experience in the United States, was accustomed to practices where low-altitude simulations are common. However, Belgian regulations are more restrictive, prohibiting flights below 500 feet AGL in such areas unless specific authorization is granted. Furthermore, the investigation found that the landing area had not been pre-scanned from the ground to ensure it was clear of hazards, and the cables were nearly invisible from the cockpit.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the instructor's decision to continue the simulation at an excessively low altitude to provide a didactic demonstration.
- The instructor's prior experience in the US likely influenced the decision, as US regulations allow for different altitude minimums in non-congested areas.
- The landing area was not inspected for obstacles prior to the maneuver.
- The flight violated applicable Belgian air regulations regarding minimum safe altitudes.
Safety action
Following the incident, the flight school's chief instructor issued a formal notice to all staff and students. This communication strictly prohibited conducting forced landing simulations below 500 feet AGL unless over an airfield and emphasized that safety must remain the highest priority. The AAIU(Be) considered this institutional response to be adequate.