What happened
On February 16, 2009, a Cessna 152, registration CS-AUR, was conducting a flight training session at the Cascais Aerodrome. The flight was part of a training program where a student pilot was performing touch-and-go maneuvers. After successfully completing several circuits under the supervision of an instructor, the student pilot was cleared for their first solo flight.
Following the successful completion of the first two landings, the student pilot attempted a third takeoff from runway 17. During the application of power for the takeoff roll, the aircraft suddenly veered to the left and pitched forward. This movement caused the propeller and the right wingtip to strike the ground, resulting in the aircraft coming to a halt on the runway shoulder near the control tower. There were no injuries to the single occupant.
The investigation
The GPIAAF examined the flight conditions, the pilot's experience, and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation found that the weather conditions were ideal, with calm winds and excellent visibility (CAVOK). The aircraft's maintenance records were up to date, and no mechanical failures or control deficiencies were identified before or after the incident.
The investigation also evaluated the student pilot's claim that a sudden wind gust caused the deviation. Investigators dismissed this hypothesis, noting that there were no recorded changes in wind intensity and that a gust from the right would have caused the aircraft to yaw in the opposite direction and lift the right wing rather than causing it to strike the ground.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the abrupt application of power, which triggered a significant torque effect. Because the power was applied too suddenly, the student pilot failed to immediately compensate with opposite rudder.
- The student pilot's limited experience, with only 17:40 hours of total flight time, contributed to the inability to react effectively to the aircraft's sudden yaw.
- The resulting imbalance caused the aircraft to lean to the right, leading to the wingtip and propeller strike.