What happened
On August 26, 2019, a Cessna 152, registration LV-AMI, was conducting a local instructional flight at Morón Aerodrome in Buenos Aires. The aircraft was operated by a flight training center and was being piloted by a student performing their very first solo flight.
Following a routine approach, the aircraft made an abnormal contact with the runway. This initial touchdown triggered a sequence of three consecutive bounces. During these bounces, the pilot lost directional control on the ground, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway. The aircraft traveled approximately 200 meters across the grass area before coming to a stop. No injuries were reported, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the landing sequence and the pilot's recovery attempts. Investigators found no mechanical failures or anomalies in the aircraft's systems or controls. The investigation established that the student had successfully completed a verification flight with an instructor earlier that day, performing four landings with various flap configurations. Based on that performance, the instructor authorized the solo flight in accordance with Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations.
Analysis of the landing indicated that the flare maneuver was likely initiated at an excessive height. Furthermore, the investigation noted that after the aircraft came to a halt on the runway strip, the student pilot exited the aircraft while the engine was still running.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was an abnormal runway contact resulting from a series of three bounces.
- The pilot failed to execute an appropriate recovery maneuver, such as a go-around or the application of partial power to stabilize the descent, following the initial bounce.
- The flare maneuver was performed at an inappropriately high altitude.
- The student pilot was conducting their first solo flight under authorized conditions.
Safety action
- The investigation highlights the need for flight training programs to emphasize correct recovery techniques following hard landings or bounces to prevent loss of control on the runway.