What happened
On March 21, 2009, a student pilot was performing solo circuit training at Pithiviers aerodrome. After completing several circuits with an instructor, the instructor transitioned the student to a solo flight, monitoring the approach from the runway edge with a portable radio.
During the third circuit, the instructor observed a stable final approach and cleared the student to land and proceed to the parking area. The aircraft, a Reims Aviation F 152, was configured for landing with flaps extended to 40 degrees. As the aircraft crossed the runway, the main landing gear made contact with the unpaved surface, causing the aircraft to bounce. A second bounce occurred, during which the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to rest in a nose-down position. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the pilot's response to the initial contact with the ground. The student pilot, who had 39 total flight hours, noted that the flare was performed too high but had no further recollection of the landing phase. The instructor, who was observing from the ground, stated they did not witness the specific moment of the flare or the touchdown. The investigation also reviewed the student's recent training history, noting that a significant portion of recent instruction had focused on navigation rather than landing techniques.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the lack of corrective actions by the pilot following the initial bounce and during the flare phase.
- The student pilot's flare was performed at an excessive height.
- The pilot failed to follow standard procedures for managing a bounce, which, according to VFR instructor guides, requires applying power and maintaining control to prevent critical angles of attack.