What happened
On March 30, 1989, a student pilot was conducting flight training at Ecuvillens aerodrome in Switzerland. The previous day, he had completed part of his training curriculum under dual control with an instructor. Due to fatigue among the candidates, the remainder of that day's mission was postponed. On the morning of the accident, the instructor allowed the student to continue with a series of normal circuits solo.
During one of these circuits, the student executed a touch-and-go landing. After touching down on the asphalt runway, he applied full throttle for takeoff. However, the aircraft began to yaw sharply to the left, with the right wingtip and propeller skimming the ground. Despite the instructor's radio command to cut the engine, the student only partially reduced power as the aircraft crossed the grassy area between the runway and taxiway. The plane then veered right, striking a parked Robin aircraft with its left wing and a Cessna HB-CEU with its right wing. Continuing down the taxiway, it collided head-on with a Beech Bonanza (HB-EBD) parked near a workshop, pushing it backward and damaging a hangar door. The student pilot was uninjured, but the Cessna HB-CHT and the Beech Bonanza were destroyed.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board examined the flight training procedures, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the weather at the time. The Cessna HB-CHT was airworthy, with valid documentation and recent maintenance. Weather conditions were clear with calm winds. The investigation focused on whether the student's actions during the touch-and-go procedure contributed to the loss of control.
Findings
The accident resulted from incorrect control input during the takeoff phase of a touch-and-go landing. Contributing factors included:
- Premature application of full power before the aircraft was stabilized on a straight trajectory after touchdown.
- The student's limited experience with hard-surface runways.
- A lack of immediate corrective action by the student after losing control; he only partially reduced throttle in response to the instructor's radio commands.
The investigation also noted inconsistencies in training methods for touch-and-go landings. Some instructors taught stabilizing the aircraft and retracting flaps before applying power, while others, following official guidelines, advised applying full power immediately upon touchdown. The student had received mixed signals regarding the proper sequence, though he confirmed being told to ensure the nose wheel was on the ground before adding power.
Safety action
The report highlighted concerns about allowing solo flights too early in the training curriculum, particularly after a break in flight activity. It suggested that instructors should be more cautious about permitting solo circuits and emphasized the need for standardized procedures across different training schools to prevent confusion among students.