What happened
On August 30, 2014, a student pilot was conducting a solo flight at Beauvais Aerodrome. Prior to the accident, the pilot had completed several training circuits in dual instruction, including engine failure simulations. After a debriefing with an instructor, the student was authorized to perform a solo circuit.
During the flight, air traffic control instructed the pilot to hold to the north of the aerodrome to allow a commercial aircraft to land. Once the commercial flight had passed, the pilot was cleared for a long final approach to runway 22. The controller advised of a wind from 250° at 11 knots and authorized a go-around (posé-décollé).
Upon touchdown, the Tecnam P2002, registration F-HBAZ, bounced. The pilot immediately applied full power to initiate a go-around, but the aircraft veered to the left. The aircraft exited the runway, causing the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft to come to rest on its nose. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's experience, and the aircraft's handling characteristics. The instructor, who was present in the control tower, monitored the approach via radar and noted that the final approach appeared stabilized. The student pilot reported that the approach speed was approximately 55 knots, which was close to the recommended 51 knots. The student also noted that they had been trained to apply full power immediately following a bounce.
Findings
While the investigation could not determine the exact cause of the initial bounce, the following factors were identified:
- The pilot failed to sufficiently counteract the aerodynamic effects of the engine during the go-around.
- Insufficient correction of torque and P-factor (left-turning tendencies) during the application of power contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The high engine power and low airspeed during the go-around intensified the propeller slipstream and torque effects, causing the aircraft to yaw and roll to the left.