What happened
On August 11, 2015, a Cessna 152, registration PR-EJI, was performing a flight training mission at Jundiaí Aerodrome (SBJD) in São Paulo. The flight, operated by EJ Escola de Aeronautica Ltda, was intended to continue the student's flight training. The student pilot had accumulated 32 hours of flight time in this specific aircraft model.
Approximately 40 minutes into the flight, the pilot attempted a touch-and-go maneuver on runway 18. During the ground roll following the touchdown, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to veer off the paved surface. During the excursion, the right wingtip made contact with the runway surface, and the propeller blades struck the grass, resulting in substantial damage to the propeller and light damage to the wing.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's technical status and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with all maintenance records up to date, and was within its proper weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR), with a light 5-knot crosswind.
The investigators also looked into the student's perception that the left wheel might have been restricted by a brake lock. However, upon inspection, the investigators found no such restriction, and the wheel moved freely when suspended.
Findings
- Improper control inputs during the landing phase;
- Limited experience of the student pilot.