What happened
On December 21, 2012, a student pilot was performing their first solo flight at the Leite Lopes Aerodrome (SBRP) in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, as part of the process to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL). The flight was part of a training program conducted by the Aeroclube de Ribeirão Preto.
During the landing phase on runway 18, the pilot lost control of the Aero Boero AB-1l5, registration PP-GMB, causing the aircraft to veer to the left. As the aircraft drifted, the right wing dipped, resulting in the wingtip striking the ground. The aircraft subsequently exited the left side of the runway and veered into low-lying vegetation. The impact caused damage to the propeller, engine, right landing gear, and the right wingtip. The pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA IV examined the pilot's proficiency and the flight school's release procedures. Investigators found that there was no consensus among the flight instructors or the flight school's course coordinator regarding the student's readiness for solo flight, specifically concerning landing proficiency.
While the pilot held a valid medical certificate and the aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate, investigators noted that the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated. Meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence were favorable for flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the loss of control during the landing phase.
- There was a lack of consensus within the flight school regarding the student's technical and emotional readiness for solo operations.
- Maintenance documentation for the aircraft's cell, engine, and propeller was not up to date.
- The pilot was in the process of obtaining a technical certificate (CHT) and had a total of 24 flight hours, all in the AB-115 model.