What happened
On April 21, 2009, an Ikarus C42B ultralight aircraft, registration OH-U478, was involved in an accident during landing at Helsinki-Malmi Airport. The aircraft, operated by a student pilot, was returning from a solo cross-country flight originating from Utti.
As the pilot approached runway 18, they noted being slightly too high and too fast. In an attempt to correct the approach, the pilot reduced speed and set the flaps to position one. During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft flew very close to the ground, potentially touching it momentarily, before gaining altitude. To prevent a potential stall, the pilot applied power, and subsequently increased to full power.
This sudden application of power caused the aircraft to veer and bank sharply to the left. The left main gear and nose gear struck the ground approximately 25 meters left of the runway edge. The aircraft continued to skid for about 20 meters, at which point the nose gear collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the ground and the engine to shut down. The aircraft completed a 2-degree turn, ending with the nose and right wing on the ground. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including a deformed right wing, broken propeller, and structural damage to the engine mounts and fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's training records, medical certification, and the aircraft's airworthiness. Investigators also reviewed the weather conditions, which were reported as CAVOK with light winds. The investigation included interviews with the student pilot, the flight instructor, and eyewitnesses. The investigation also looked into the pilot's training progression, noting that several multi-week breaks in training due to weather or scheduling had occurred, which had slowed the development of flight skills.
Findings
- The pilot was performing their first solo cross-country flight.
- The aircraft had a high power-to-weight ratio due to its low mass.
- The pilot experienced a loss of situational awareness following the application of power.
- The sudden increase in power, combined with the aircraft's light weight, induced significant torque effects and a sharp left bank.
- The pilot failed to execute appropriate corrective actions or a proper climb-out procedure after the initial loss of control.