What happened
On June 3, 2019, a student pilot performing their first solo flight at Letňany Airport (LKLT) experienced an accident during the landing phase. After completing a series of training flights with an instructor, the student was cleared for a solo circuit. During the final approach on runway 05L, the pilot realized the aircraft was too high and fast for a stable landing.
In an attempt to correct the approach, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, the pilot was operating under a misconception regarding the aircraft's configuration, believing the flaps were set to 20 degrees when they were actually at 30 degrees. During the maneuver, the pilot failed to apply sufficient back pressure on the control column following the application of full power. This resulted in a series of three bounces on the runway. On the third impact, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to strike the runway surface and skid approximately 15 meters into the grass.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the student's training progress and the instructor's evaluation. The investigation established that while the student possessed strong theoretical knowledge, their practical flight skills had been rated as average to below-average by instructors. To address recurring errors, the training organization had increased the student's flight hours by over 15 hours, yet the student had previously failed practical checks twice before being cleared for this solo flight.
Investigators also examined the aircraft, a Cessna 152 with registration OK-SUP, finding it was well-maintained and within weight and balance limits. The weather and runway conditions were determined to have had no contributing effect to the accident.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the landing budget and initiated a go-around at an unsuitable height and speed.
- The pilot was unaware of the actual flap configuration during the maneuver.
- The pilot failed to properly manage the aircraft's pitch during the go-around, specifically failing to react to the nose dropping after power was applied.
- The instructors failed to adequately assess the student's actual practical flying skills despite recognizing the need for extended training.
- The training organization's risk management did not specifically identify hazards related to extended training periods or the risks associated with a student's first solo flight.