What happened
On September 26, 1967, a Piper Cub, registration HB-OEY, was conducting a dual-instruction flight at the Colombier Aerodrome. During the final phase of the landing sequence, the student pilot applied significant and abrupt aft pressure on the control column. This action caused the aircraft to pitch up unexpectedly, leading to a loss of airspeed while the plane was approximately 1.5 meters above the runway surface.
Despite the instructor's presence, the situation could not be corrected in time. The aircraft subsequently descended heavily, impacting the runway on its landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight maneuvers performed during the landing approach. Investigators examined the sequence of control inputs made by the student pilot and the subsequent aerodynamic response of the Piper Cub. The inquiry established that the sudden pitch-up maneuver resulted in a critical loss of airspeed at a very low altitude, making recovery impossible.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the abrupt rearward movement of the control column by the student pilot.
- The resulting aerodynamic pitch-up led to a loss of airspeed at a height of only 1.5 meters.
- The impact with the runway was severe enough to cause damage to the aircraft's fuselage.
- There were no injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft.