What happened
On 3 May 2012, a Grob G115D aircraft, registration G-BVHD, was involved in an excursion at Dundee Airport, Scotland. The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot on her first solo flight as part of a training course. Following a successful solo circuit, the pilot landed on the runway. During the landing roll, the air traffic controller instructed the pilot to maintain her speed to vacate the runway at Taxiway ‘A’ quickly, as other aircraft were following behind.
In response to this instruction, the pilot increased power and taxi speed. As the aircraft approached the junction of the runway and Taxiway ‘A’, the pilot heard the controller clear a following aircraft to land. Realising the aircraft was approaching the exit too rapidly, the pilot attempted to steer and brake, but the aircraft failed to make the 90-degree left turn. The aircraft left the paved surface, crossed onto the adjacent grass, and the right wing struck two taxiway designator boards and a taxiway light before the aircraft came to a stop.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the air traffic controller's instructions, and the operational environment. The pilot, who had only 11 hours of total flying experience, reported feeling significant pressure due to the controller's instruction to maintain speed and the subsequent instruction to the following aircraft. The investigation also reviewed the Civil Aviation Authority's Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1, which provides guidance on communicating with student pilots.
Findings
- The pilot was on her first solo flight, a period of high psychological pressure and limited experience.
- The air traffic controller provided non-standard and unexpected instructions by telling the pilot to "KEEP YOUR SPEED UP" and then clearing following traffic to land immediately after.
- The instruction to maintain speed prevented the pilot from slowing down sufficiently to negotiate the 90-degree turn at Taxiway ‘A'.
- The pilot's lack of experience meant she was unable to effectively manage the increased ground speed and the sudden pressure of the situation.
- The controller's actions did not align with MATS Part 1 guidance, which advises air traffic staff to exercise caution and use modified instructions when communicating with student pilots.