What happened
On July 31, 2019, at approximately 20:53, a student pilot was performing a solo flight from Tampere-Parelkalla Airport. The aircraft, an EV-97 Eurostar with registration OH-U438, was performing a standard takeoff roll on runway 06. During the takeoff roll, before rotation, the aircraft suddenly veered approximately 45 degrees to the left. The pilot rotated just before the end of the paved runway surface.
As the aircraft climbed, it maintained a leftward turn with an increasing bank angle. At an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the bank angle reached about 70 degrees. The aircraft then entered a left-hand stall at an altitude of roughly 20 meters. The aircraft impacted the ground with the left wing first, while the engine was at maximum power. The impact caused the aircraft to roll 180 degrees and strike the nose into the ground. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the crash, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's training history, and the cockpit ergonomics. Investigators found that the aircraft had been properly maintained and was airworthy. The investigation also focused on the cockpit design, specifically the rudder pedals. In this aircraft type, the dual controls feature pedals that are positioned very close to one another, with no physical barrier to prevent accidental use of the adjacent pedal.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the pilot's training records, noting that while the student had been training for several years, there were significant seasonal gaps and periods of inactivity in solo flight training. The investigation also addressed the emergency response, which was complicated by the presence of an unactivated rocket-powered recovery parachute, requiring specialized police units to safely deactivate the device.
Findings
- The pilot likely lost control of the aircraft due to accidental rudder pedal input caused by the close proximity of the dual controls.
- The student's training program did not adequately account for long intervals between flying seasons, which can impact proficiency.
- The cockpit ergonomics of the EV-97 Eurostar presented a risk, as the manufacturer had previously issued a voluntary service bulletin regarding a pedal separator plate that had not been implemented on this aircraft.
- The presence of a rocket-powered recovery parachute created a significant safety risk for first responders and delayed the reopening of the airport.