What happened
On 11 August 2007, a student pilot was conducting solo training exercises at Petit Aerodrome. The flight consisted of two separate sessions of circuits and landing practice. The first session, which began around 0800Z, proceeded without any operational issues. Following a brief break, the pilot commenced a second session of touch-and-go exercises at approximately 1000Z.
During the landing phase on Runway 03, the pilot noted that the Piper PA-22-150, registration ZU-ANG, began veering toward the right side of the runway immediately upon touchdown. In an attempt to maintain the centerline, the pilot applied the left brake; however, the aircraft drifted off the runway surface. The aircraft then entered a ground loop upon encountering uneven ground, resulting in extensive damage to the airframe and wingtips. The pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's experience, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was being operated under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in good visibility and light winds.
Investigators reviewed the maintenance history of ZU-ANG and found no evidence of mechanical defects, brake failures, or steering malfunctions that could have contributed to the loss of control. The investigation also noted that the pilot had been issued a Student Pilot's Licence only six days prior to the accident. The aerodrome where the event occurred was an unlicensed facility with no communication infrastructure available.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- The aircraft's momentum and the uneven terrain off the runway facilitated the ground loop.
- There were no mechanical or maintenance-related issues identified in the aircraft's systems.
- A potential contributing factor was a possible loss of concentration by the pilot during the critical landing phase, which prevented an effective correction of the aircraft's heading.