What happened
On 18 August 2011, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a TeamEurostar UK, registration G-RMCM, at Peterborough (Conington) Airport. The flight followed a successful period of dual instruction, after which the instructor released the student for solo operations.
During the landing phase of the solo flight, the aircraft bounced upon contact with the runway. Following his training, the student pilot elected to perform a go-around. However, as full power was applied, the aircraft pitched upward, veered toward the left, and entered a stall. The left wing subsequently dropped, leading the aircraft to impact a field located to the left of the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The student pilot sustained one minor injury to his left arm but was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the student pilot and subsequent inquiries. The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the go-around maneuver and the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the transition from the bounced landing to the climb.
Findings
- The student pilot admitted to likely using incorrect control inputs when initiating the go-around procedure.
- The aircraft's pitch-up and leftward veer during the application of power were directly linked to these improper inputs, which led to the aerodynamic stall.