What happened
On June 18, 2010, a Cessna 150H, registration OB-1894, operated by the flight school AVIATUR, was conducting a training flight at Chilca Aerodrome, Peru. The flight involved a flight instructor and a student pilot in the pre-solo phase of training. The mission was to demonstrate engine-failure procedures and runway return maneuvers.
During the flight, the instructor took control of the aircraft to demonstrate a runway return maneuver. After climbing to approximately 600 feet, the instructor initiated a turn to the right to align with the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a heavy impact and bounced back into the air. Despite the application of power, strong gusts and a tailwind caused the aircraft to drift diagonally away from the runway centerline at a low altitude and low airspeed.
The aircraft eventually struck the ground approximately 116 meters from the runway centerline, impacting the nose gear, propeller, and wing, which caused the aircraft to come to rest in an inverted position. Both occupants sustained minor injuries and were able to egress the aircraft on their own.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the flight maneuvers, the instructor's experience, and the operational environment. Investigators found that the aircraft was performing maneuvers involving "unusual positions" and runway returns. The investigation noted that the aircraft's checklist and the flight school's training manuals contained no established procedures for performing a runway return immediately after takeoff.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the instructor's credentials, noting that while the instructor held valid licenses, there were documented concerns regarding his flight performance and instructional competence during previous evaluations. The investigation also assessed the suitability of the Chilca Aerodrome, finding it lacked the necessary safety infrastructure and rescue equipment.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the inadequate recovery of aircraft control by the flight instructor following an interrupted landing.
- Contributing factors included adverse meteorological conditions, specifically the presence of strong gusts and a tailwind that increased the groundspeed and required more runway distance.
- The instructor lacked sufficient experience in both the specific aircraft model and in flight instruction.
- There was a failure to adhere to established flight school methods and procedures.
- The training maneuvers being performed were not supported by the aircraft's checklist or the school's instructional manual.
- The student pilot had completed an excessive number of flight lessons in a very short period prior to the solo phase.
- The aerodrome used for the training did not meet basic safety or operational requirements for flight instruction.