What happened
On March 23, 2022, a Cessna 152, registration LV-API, was performing a solo instructional flight at Aeroclub Río Cuarto in Córdoba, Argentina. After a brief 10-minute flight under visual meteorological conditions, the aircraft experienced an abnormal contact with the grass runway during the landing phase. The impact caused significant damage to the propeller and the nose landing gear.
Prior to the accident, the student pilot had completed a dual flight with an instructor, performing several landing circuits. Based on the student's performance, the instructor authorized a solo flight consisting of maneuvers and a full landing circuit. During the landing, the aircraft bounced off the runway, briefly lifted into the air, and then made a second, more forceful contact with the ground before coming to a stop.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's damage, runway markings, and meteorological data. The runway, consisting of grass, was found to be in adequate condition. Marks on the runway indicated the initial contact occurred 200 meters from the threshold, with the aircraft sliding 53 meters before stopping. Weather conditions were favorable, with a light wind of 10 knots and high visibility.
Investigators analyzed the flight dynamics by reviewing interviews with both the student pilot and the instructor. The student pilot noted that they typically maintained an approach speed slightly higher than the values specified in the flight manual. Physical evidence from the propeller deformation suggested that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact, which aligned with the student's attempt to increase power to correct the aircraft's attitude after the initial bounce.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an approach conducted at an excessive speed.
- This excess speed led to a phenomenon known as "floating" during the flare.
- In an attempt to force the aircraft onto the runway, the pilot induced a sudden pitch change, resulting in a "ballooning" effect and a subsequent loss of lift.
- The resulting bounce increased the angle of attack, causing the aircraft to lift again and eventually strike the ground with enough force to damage the nose gear and propeller.