Student Pilot Solo Flight Ends in Landing Gear and Propeller Damage at Pisco Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • PE

A student pilot's first solo flight in a Cessna 152 resulted in significant aircraft damage after a hard landing at Pisco Aerodrome, Peru.

What happened

On December 18, 2008, a Cessna 152, registration OB-1822, departed from Pisco Aerodrome for a student pilot's first solo flight. After departing from runway 22 and joining the visual traffic pattern, the pilot requested landing and joining instructions.

During the landing sequence, the air traffic controller observed the aircraft bouncing several times on the runway before coming to a stop. The pilot subsequently informed the tower of discomfort regarding the landing. While taxiing to the parking ramp, the pilot discovered that the landing maneuver had caused significant damage to the propeller blades, the nose gear, and the lower engine mount. No injuries were reported to the pilot.

The investigation

The CIAA investigation examined the flight records, maintenance history, and the training background of the student pilot. The investigation found that the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits at the time of the incident. Meteorological conditions were favorable, with visibility exceeding 9 km and no significant wind or weather hazards reported.

Investigators also reviewed the training protocols of the flight school, Aero Vigil S.A.C. They noted that the student pilot had completed the necessary theoretical and technical ground courses but had received flight instruction from three different instructors. Furthermore, the investigation found that the flight school lacked standardized flight training manuals for students to reference specific maneuvers.

Findings

  • Lack of pilot experience prevented the pilot from maintaining controlled and safe flight following the unusual landing event.
  • Inconsistent instruction due to the student receiving training from three different instructors without sufficient standardization.
  • Insufficient theoretical information and a prolonged duration between the start of instruction and the first solo flight.
  • Lack of standardized flight training manuals (indoctrination manuals) within the flight school to guide students through specific maneuvers.
  • Regulatory gaps in RAP 141 regarding the standardization of instructor training and the content of practical flight instruction.

Probable cause

The primary cause was the pilot's lack of experience, which led to an inability to control the aircraft safely after an atypical landing event. Contributing factors included inconsistent flight instruction from multiple instructors and a lack of standardized training manuals at the flight school.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-12-18 aircraft accident near PE?

A student pilot's first solo flight in a Cessna 152 resulted in significant aircraft damage after a hard landing at Pisco Aerodrome, Peru.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-12-18 involved a aircraft, registration OB-1822, at PE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was the pilot's lack of experience, which led to an inability to control the aircraft safely after an atypical landing event. Contributing factors included inconsistent flight instruction from multiple instructors and a lack of standardized training manuals at the flight school.

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