What happened
On November 19, 2022, a Cessna 150-M, registration LV-IKS, was performing a solo instructional flight at the Coronel Vidal aerodrome in Buenos Aires province. The student pilot, who had been authorized for his first solo flight following successful supervised landings, attempted a landing that resulted in an abnormal touchdown and a bounce on the runway.
Deciding to execute a go-around, the pilot attempted to climb away from the runway. However, during this climb, the aircraft's propeller struck a 10-meter-high medium-voltage electrical line located approximately 150 meters from the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to crash into the ground. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported for the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the instructional practices of the flight school. Investigators confirmed that the engine, power controls, and mixture settings were functioning correctly. The aircraft was maintained according to manufacturer standards and was properly certified.
Beyond the immediate event, the JST reviewed the operations of the Aeroclub Coronel Vidal, which serves as a certified flight training center. The inquiry looked into the student's training progress and the school's adherence to its internal instruction and safety manuals.
Findings
- The student pilot performed a go-around following an unstable touchdown.
- The pilot did not utilize full available power during the takeoff following the aborted landing.
- The insufficient power application prevented the aircraft from achieving the necessary altitude to clear the electrical obstacles.
- The flight school was not maintaining the required written records of student flight practices, as mandated by its own instruction manual.
- There was no evidence of recent regulatory inspections of the training center by the national aviation authority.
Safety action
- The importance of maintaining robust systems for recording and monitoring student flight progress to ensure continuous performance evaluation.
- The necessity of reviewing and updating instructional protocols, particularly regarding solo flight safety and effectiveness.