What happened
On September 2, 2019, a Cessna 152, registration LV-AMI, was conducting a local training flight departing from Morón Airport, Buenos Aires. The aircraft was operated by Flight Center, a Civil Aviation Training Center, and was being piloted by a student pilot performing a solo flight as part of a practical examination process for a private pilot license.
After approximately 35 minutes of flight, the aircraft approached runway 02. During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced an abnormal contact with the runway. Following the initial touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice, leading to a loss of directional control on the ground. The aircraft eventually veered off the runway to the right, coming to a stop approximately 8 and 80 meters from the runway centerline within the runway strip. There were no injuries to the student pilot and no damage was reported to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the pilot's actions. Investigators found no technical anomalies or malfunctions in the aircraft's systems or controls. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot was authorized to conduct the solo flight in accordance with Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC) part 61.87.
Analysis of the landing revealed that the pilot was managing significant crosswind conditions during the final approach. The initial touchdown occurred on the left main landing gear, which caused the aircraft to lift off again. After the pilot leveled the wings, the right main gear made contact, followed by two subsequent bounces. These bounces disrupted the pilot's ability to maintain directional control on the runway surface.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the loss of directional control following two bounces on the runway surface.
- The pilot did not execute a go-around or escape maneuver immediately after the initial bounced contact.
- The student pilot was performing a solo training flight in preparation for a private pilot license checkride.