What happened
On December 15, 2008, a Socata TB 200, registration CS-DEA, was conducting a solo navigation training flight from Évora to Portimão. The aircraft was operated by Academia Aeronáutica de Évora and was piloted by a qualified student pilot.
Upon arriving at Portimão Aerodrome (LPPM), the pilot attempted to land on runway 29. At the time, the wind was reported at 320 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 21 knots. During the final approach, the aircraft experienced significant instability, bouncing three times before finally making contact with the runway on the fourth attempt. The touchdown was violent and uncoordinated, characterized by lateral oscillations. During this impact, the propeller tips struck the asphalt, resulting in slight deformation. Despite the contact, the engine did not stop, allowing the pilot to taxi the aircraft to the parking area, where the damage was identified.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the approach characteristics at Portimão Aerodrome, noting that the terrain gradient near runway 29 requires aircraft to fly over hilly areas, which can increase the approach angle. This terrain feature, combined with wind-induced turbulence, often makes stabilizing the aircraft difficult. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the decision-making process during the unstable approach.
Findings
- The pilot was a student undergoing an Airline Pilot Course and had previously operated at the aerodrome in a dual-instruction capacity.
- The approach was unstable due to the pilot's limited experience, which prevented effective management of the wind gusts and the aircraft's energy.
- The terrain gradient contributed to a higher-than-normal approach angle and excess airspeed.
- The pilot struggled to maintain directional control and airspeed, leading to a series of bounces.
- The decision to continue the landing despite the unstable approach and the inability to control the aircraft's oscillations was the primary contributing factor.
Safety action
Following the investigation, a recommendation was issued to the Director of Instruction at the Academia Aeronáutica de Évora to emphasize to both instructors and students the necessity of achieving a stabilized approach and the importance of executing a go-around (missed approach) whenever landing conditions are unstable.