What happened
On May 15, 2012, a Cessna 150 (registration HK1912) was performing a flight training mission involving touch-and-go maneuvers at the José Celestino Mutis Aerodrome in Mariquita, Tolima. The flight, part of a solo cross-country curriculum for a student pilot, included a planned route between Guaymaral, Mariquita, Girardot, and Neiva.
During the execution of a touch-and-go maneuver on runway 19, the aircraft experienced a heavy impact with the paved surface. The pilot reported that while attempting the landing without flaps, the aircraft drifted to the right. In an attempt to maintain control and execute a go-around, the pilot applied full power, but the aircraft bounced, causing the nose gear to strike the runway and the propeller to make contact with the pavement. The aircraft eventually came to a stop approximately 8 to 800 meters from the runway threshold. The student pilot evacuated the aircraft unharmed, and although a fuel leak occurred, no fire was reported.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the pilot's flight training records, aircraft maintenance logs, and meteorological conditions. Investigators analyzed GPS data, which revealed that the aircraft was flying at a high speed of 97 knots during the final approach and crossed the threshold at 80 knots. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight continuity, noting a significant gap in training between the previous flight and the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a hard landing resulting from an unstable approach characterized by excessive speed and a high glide path.
- The student pilot experienced a visual illusion caused by the wider dimensions of the runway compared to those typically used in training, leading to an undershooting sensation and an improper flare height.
- The decision to perform the landing without flaps contributed to an increased approach speed and a destabilized descent.
- The pilot's flight training showed low and irregular continuity, with a 25-day gap between the previous flight and the accident.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage, including a broken right main landing gear, a broken nose gear, and damaged propeller tips.
Safety action
- The investigation recommended that flight schools and the Aeroclub de Colombia establish clear criteria for flight training continuity to prevent skill degradation.
- It was recommended that training departments monitor student flight intervals to ensure safety.
- The Aerocivil was advised to increase supervision of flight courses, particularly for students who have experienced long delays in completing their training programs.