What happened
On April 4, 2011, at the Saint-André de l’Eure airfield, a student pilot was performing solo circuits in a Fly Synthesis Storch HS, registration 27-ACM. The flight was part of a training session where the student had previously completed three touch-and-go landings under the supervision of an instructor. During the second solo circuit, while landing on an unpaved runway, the aircraft bounced twice. Following these impacts, the nose gear failed, causing the aircraft to flip onto its back.
During the final approach, the student maintained a speed between 9/0 and 100 km/h with flaps extended, whereas the manufacturer's recommended approach speed in zero wind is 80 km/h. The student noted difficulty in judging the correct height for the flare and admitted that their pitch-up input was likely insufficient. The instructor, observing from the ground, noted that the flare was performed too late, resulting in the bounces.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the student's solo release and the pilot's response to the bounced landing. It was established that the instructor decided to permit the solo flight after the initial successful circuits, despite the student having only 10 hours of total flight time. The instructor admitted to forgetting to warn the student about specific procedures for handling bounces, such as applying full power to go around.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the instructor was observing the flight from the ground but did not have a portable radio to communicate with the student during the solo maneuvers. The student reported feeling unprepared for a bounce and was unable to determine the correct corrective action after the first impact occurred.
Findings
- The primary cause of the initial bounce was excessive approach speed combined with an insufficient pitch-up maneuver during the flare.
- The student's limited flight experience and difficulty judging the aircraft's height during the flare contributed to the landing instability.
- The severe damage to the aircraft was caused by the student's lack of appropriate corrective action following the first bounce.
- The student's lack of preparation for a solo flight, specifically regarding emergency or contingency procedures like a go-around, contributed to the accident.