What happened
On July 19, 2013, a Reims Aviation F-172, registration F-BVSR, was performing solo circuit training at La Môle aerodrome. The student pilot, who had recently completed two circuits with an instructor, was conducting his first solo flight.
During the initial landing attempt on runway 24, the aircraft experienced a bounce. Following a second bounce, the pilot applied increased power. During this maneuver, the nose gear struck the runway surface with significant force. This impact caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. As the pilot subsequently reduced power, the leftward deviation intensified, leading the aircraft to exit the paved surface and ultimately capsize onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of control inputs and the mechanical impact on the aircraft. Investigators recovered metallic debris from the left side of the runway, approximately 80 meters before the aircraft left the pavement.
Technical examinations of the F-172 revealed that the damage to the nose landing gear was the direct result of heavy vertical loads. The student pilot, who had accumulated 35 total flight hours, noted that while he had been instructed to apply power in the event of a bounce, the aircraft's leftward deviation occurred immediately after the power increase, before he could sufficiently adjust the elevator to maintain pitch.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was inappropriate control inputs during landing bounces, which led to a hard nose gear impact.
- The pilot was unable to maintain directional control or prevent the runway excursion following the impact.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the excursion and rollover.