What happened
On October 21, 2017, a student pilot was conducting a solo instructional flight at Madrid Cuatro Vientos Airport in a CESSNA 150, registration EC-CUC, operated by Airpilot. After completing a local navigation route, the pilot returned to the airfield to enter the landing circuit for runway 27.
During the final approach, the pilot utilized 30 degrees of flaps while maintaining a speed of 65 knots. Although the pilot reported experiencing a crosswind, the weather conditions were within safe operational limits. Upon touchdown, the aircraft did not follow the prescribed landing technique. Instead of a smooth contact on the main gear, the aircraft touched down with all three wheels simultaneously in a nose-down attitude.
Following the initial contact, the aircraft bounced. The pilot attempted to recover by increasing power, which caused the nose to lift and then pitch forward again. The aircraft bounced multiple times along the runway, causing the propeller to strike the pavement thirteen times. The sequence concluded when the nose gear collapsed. The pilot was uninjured and able to exit the aircraft independently.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation reviewed the pilot's training records, the operator's flight manuals, and airport security footage. The investigation analyzed the aircraft's flight path and the physical evidence left on the runway, including propeller strike marks. Investigators also reviewed the operator's maneuver analysis manual, which provides specific instructions for landing in crosswind conditions, emphasizing a smooth touchdown on the main wheels and a controlled transition to the nose gear.
Findings
- The pilot approached the runway at a speed higher than recommended.
- The aircraft touched down with a nose-down attitude and all three wheels hitting the ground at once.
- The pilot failed to maintain the proper pitch attitude after the initial bounce, leading to repeated impacts.
- The incorrect execution of the landing maneuver was the primary cause of the incident.
- The nose gear collapsed following the final series of bounces.
Safety action
- The CIAIAC issued a recommendation to Airpilot to harmonize its Operations Manuals with the specific Flight Manuals of its aircraft to ensure instructional consistency.