What happened
On June 17, 2017, a Cessna 152, registration EC-DME, operated by Aeroclub de Alicante, was performing a private VFR flight at the Mutxamel aerodrome. After a flight to Murcia-San Javier and back, the aircraft attempted to land at Mutxamel. During the landing phase, the aircraft touched down past the first third of the runway and began bouncing several times. The pilot lost control, causing the aircraft to veer to the left, exit the runway, and cross a taxiway. The impact of the bounces caused the nose gear to collapse, leading the aircraft to slide on its fuselage for approximately 22 meters. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft on their own.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training history, and video footage of the approach. An inspection of the Cessna 152 revealed that the control columns were deformed due to the nose gear collapse, but no mechanical defects were found that could have caused the incident. Investigators also reviewed the flight training logs of the pilot, who had recently obtained his Private Pilot License. The investigation included analysis of the engine RPM during the final approach via video evidence and an audit of the flight school's (ATO) adherence to its own training and rest regulations.
Findings
- The landing was executed incorrectly following an unstabilized approach at excessive speed.
- The pilot failed to reduce engine power to idle during the final approach, maintaining approximately 1450 RPM, which prevented the aircraft from descending properly and increased its speed.
- The pilot's approach was not aligned with the runway centerline.
- The pilot was reportedly feeling pressure due to being behind schedule, which may have influenced the decision not to perform a go-around despite the unstable approach.
- The flight school did not adhere to its established training limits, as evidenced by flight instruction sessions that exceeded the maximum allowed consecutive flying days and flight durations.
- The nose gear collapse was a direct result of the heavy impacts caused by the aircraft bouncing on the runway.