What happened
On December 5, 2022, a Piper PA-22, registration LV-HZS, was conducting a solo instructional flight at the Allen Aeroclub in the province of Río Negro, Argentina. The flight was part of a student pilot's training program. After completing several maneuvers and landing circuits with an instructor, the student pilot was cleared to perform a solo circuit.
During the landing phase, the student pilot encountered a left crosswind component. While attempting to maintain the runway centerline, the aircraft drifted to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using the nose wheel steering and brakes; however, the left wheel struck a dirt mound. This impact caused the left wing to dip into the ground, leading to a nose-over and significant damage to the airframe, engine, and propeller. The student pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The JST investigation examined the operational environment and the technical aspects of the aircraft. Investigators found that the instructor was not actively monitoring the flight, as they had moved to a hangar to perform administrative tasks. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the flight school's manual did not require adequate communication equipment to maintain contact with the aircraft during solo operations.
Technical analysis of the aircraft confirmed that the Piper PA-22 was maintained according to manufacturer standards, but the investigation noted that the aircraft lacked individual brakes for each wheel, meaning braking applied to both main wheels simultaneously. The investigation also identified several regulatory gaps, including the absence of a formal Aerodrome Emergency Plan (PEA) at the private airfield and incomplete certification documentation from the national aviation authority.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an uncontrolled left turn during landing that the student pilot could not recover from.
- The instructor was not providing active supervision during the solo flight due to performing administrative duties elsewhere.
- There was a lack of reliable radio communication between the instructor on the ground and the student pilot in the air.
- There was no documented evidence of the required theoretical knowledge examination or formal authorization for the student to perform the solo flight.
- The aerodrome lacked a required Aerodrome Emergency Plan (PEA).
Safety action
- The JST issued a recommendation to the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) to ensure all private aerodromes maintain an approved Aerodrome Emergency Plan.
- A recommendation was made to the flight school (CIAC) to implement a permanent radio communication system to ensure reliable, two-way contact between instructors and students during solo flights.