What happened
On 11 November 2012, a Gemini Flash IIA, registration G-MTTW, was conducting a solo training flight at Caernarfon Airport in North Wales. The flight followed a 30-minute instructional session with a flight instructor. Approximately 30 minutes into the solo circuit, the student pilot attempted to rejoin the airfield.
While on the downwind leg and during the final approach, the aircraft veered sharply to the left. An instructor observing the landing from the ground noted that while the initial touchdown appeared correct, the aircraft immediately veered and flipped onto its right side. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, keel, wing, trike, and cockpit. The student pilot was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure but sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of directional control. It was established that the student pilot had failed to verify that the nosewheel steering was positioned straight during the approach. The instructor, who observed the flight from the ground, characterized the student as a competent flyer and suggested the error was a temporary lapse in concentration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the veer and subsequent rollover was the failure to check that the nosewheel steering was straight during the approach and landing phase.
- The student pilot admitted to omitting this specific check despite having been instructed to do so.