What happened
On December 14, 2001, a Cessna 152, registration I-AMCH, was conducting a solo flight training mission for a private pilot license. The flight, operated by Aero Club Cagliari, consisted of a closed-circuit navigation route passing over Senorbi, Gesturi, and Capo Carbonara.
While attempting to land on runway 32 at Cagliari Elmas Airport, the aircraft made contact with the ground approximately 250 meters before the optimal touchdown point. Shortly after touchdown, the right wing dipped and struck the runway, causing the aircraft to yaw left by more than 45 degrees. Simultaneously, the nose of the aircraft lowered until the propeller blades struck the runway surface. The aircraft continued to travel off the paved surface, coming to a stop on the grass approximately 40 meters from the left edge of the runway. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the right wingtip.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the flight parameters and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Meteorological data indicated CAVOK conditions with a light wind from 200 degrees at 6 knots. The investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness, noting that the Cessna 152 was properly maintained, fueled, and within weight and balance limits. Technical failure was ruled out as a contributing factor.
Investigators analyzed the pilot's actions following the initial touchdown. It was determined that the aircraft had likely drifted too far to the right of the runway centerline due to the left crosswind component. In an attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway, the pilot applied rudder, which triggered a coupled roll and yaw motion that caused the right wingtip to strike the ground. The subsequent application of brakes likely caused the nose to pitch forward, leading to the propeller strike.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the suboptimal execution of the landing maneuver.
- The pilot's lack of experience resulted in an inability to correctly manage the approach and landing phase in the presence of a crosswind component.