What happened
On December 10, 2021, a Cessna 150M, registration LV-CJR, was performing a solo demonstration flight at the Alagro private aerodrome in Funes, Santa Fe. The flight was part of a formal examination for a Private Pilot License (PPA).
During the landing phase, the aircraft was operating on a 360-degree approach pattern. Upon initial contact with the runway, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to bounce multiple times. This resulted in a porpoising motion that eventually forced the nose of the aircraft downward. The subsequent heavy impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse. The engine also suffered significant damage due to the sudden stoppage caused by the propeller striking the ground. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft independently.
The investigation
The investigation by the JST examined the flight parameters, the pilot's recent training history, and the regulatory environment. It was established that the student pilot had not performed solo landings at this specific aerodrome recently and was experiencing significant anxiety due to unfamiliarity with the approach for runway 18. Furthermore, the investigation found that the flight examination began without a prior briefing between the inspector and the student pilot. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's shoulder harnesses were not in use, a practice the investigators found to be a common habit during instruction at the flight school.
Findings
- The final approach was unstable, characterized by excessive speed and an altitude above the standard glide path.
- An inadequate flare maneuver failed to arrest the descent rate, leading to the initial bounce.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the specific approach for runway 18 contributed to a state of high stress and anxiety.
- The lack of a pre-flight briefing between the examiner and the student pilot hindered effective preparation.
- The aircraft was not utilizing safety equipment, specifically the shoulder harnesses, during the flight.