Introduction
On 1 February 2012, a Cessna 150L aircraft, registration 8Q-GAB, operated by Asian Academy of Aeronautics, was involved in an accident at Gan International Airport, Maldives. The Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee (AICC) conducted the investigation.
History of Flight
The aircraft departed Gan International Airport at 1035 hours local time for a solo circuit flying session. The accident occurred during the second circuit while following a left-hand traffic pattern for runway 10. The aircraft approached in a flat attitude and touched down on three points, resulting in two bounces. On the second bounce, the nose wheel and strut detached from the aircraft. The propeller struck the runway, causing both blades to bend and the engine to cease. The aircraft came to a halt on the left side of the runway approximately 100 meters from the initial touchdown point. The pilot evacuated safely.
Injuries
No injuries were reported. The sole occupant, a student pilot, was uninjured.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained significant damage. The nose landing gear collapsed and detached from the engine mount. The engine mount frame was significantly damaged and distorted. The propeller struck the runway, bending both blades and stopping the engine. Skin damage occurred on the underside of the nose aft of the landing gear from contact with the tire.
Personnel Information
The pilot was a 25-year-old male Indian national holding a Student Pilot Permit (Aeroplanes). He had a total flight time of 66.4 hours, including 51.6 hours dual and 14.0 hours solo. His medical certificate was Class 2, valid until 30 September 2015.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 150L, serial number 15075492, manufactured in 1974. It was registered in Maldives with a perpetual Certificate of Registration and a Certificate of Airworthiness issued on 14 March 2011. Total airframe hours since manufacture were 3998.35 hours. The engine was a Teledyne Continental O-200-A, serial number 253947, with 313 hours since overhaul. The propeller was a McCauley 1A101 HCM6948, serial number G 13156, with 349 hours since overhaul. Fuel on board was 101 lbs of Auto-gas 95.
Meteorological Information
METAR data for Gan International Airport at 0600 hours on 1 February 2012 indicated wind from 020 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 km or more, and few clouds at 1800 feet.
Causal Factors
The investigation identified the causal factor as incorrect recovery action after the first bounce.