Accident Details
On Wednesday, July 4, 1973, at 17:57 MEZ, a Piper J3C (registration HB-OUV) departed from grass runway 32R at Bern Airport for a training flight. The pilot, a student flying solo under the supervision of a flight instructor via VHF radio, was tasked with performing a circuit followed by a spot landing.
Final Approach and Accident
The final approach was aligned with the runway axis under calm conditions with engine power. At approximately 6 m above ground, just before the landing T, the student reduced engine power and began the flare. The indicated airspeed at that moment was about 63 mph. When the aircraft was at a height of 1.5 to 2 m above ground in a high angle of attack, it stalled and dropped to the left. At 18:02, the left main wheel and tailwheel struck the grass runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft veered 270° to the right around its vertical axis and came to a stop 50 m past the landing T.
Damage
The pilot was not injured. The aircraft was heavily damaged. No third-party damage occurred.
Pilot Information
The student pilot, born in 1933, held a valid learner permit with a restricted radiotelephony endorsement. His total flight experience was 39 hours and 53 minutes, with 275 landings. His first solo flight occurred on January 8, 1972. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 6 hours and 24 minutes, all on the Piper J3C.
The instructor held a valid license and was authorized to provide training. VHF communication was maintained between the instructor and the student.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was airworthy and certified for operation. The investigation found no pre-existing technical defects. No evidence suggested the student was impaired during the flight.
Weather Conditions
Wind at ground level was variable, predominantly north-northeast, at 0–5 knots. Visibility was 5 to 10 km in haze with light turbulence. QNH was 1015 mb. The sun azimuth was 200° and elevation 22°. General tendency showed a slight increase in cumulus clouds. Ground-level air temperature was 29°C.
Assessment
The approach was normal, and the pilot reported flying in cloud shadow. During the landing approach, he was briefly blinded by the sun. The pilot realized that the flare started too high. Without adding power, he pulled the aircraft through, expecting a slow and continuous descent. Because the minimum speed was undershot, the aircraft stalled over the left wing. The reason why the instructor did not immediately issue a go-around command when the student flared too high remains open.
Probable Cause
The accident is attributable to excessive floating during landing.