What happened
On August 4, 1998, at Geneva Airport, a student pilot was conducting solo circuit training in an AS 202 Bravo, registration HB-HFA. Prior to the accident, the student had completed four circuit laps with an instructor on board, which were deemed satisfactory, leading to the decision to allow the student to fly solo.
During the solo flight, the pilot successfully managed the takeoff, climb, and downwind legs. However, while on final approach, the aircraft began to pitch up during the flare. To prevent a hard landing, the instructor, monitoring the flight via radio, instructed the student to execute a go-around. Upon receiving this instruction, the student experienced a moment of panic and reacted improperly with the control column. This caused the aircraft to bank sharply to the left at very low altitude, performing nearly a 180-degree turn just above the ground. The aircraft subsequently struck a hangar door and a tractor.
The investigation
The investigation established that both the instructor and the student held valid licenses. The AS 202 Bravo was airworthy, with maintenance records meeting all requirements, and no technical anomalies were reported by either crew member. The student pilot had a total of 23:51 flight hours and had successfully completed several solo flights previously.
Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the loss of control, specifically focusing on the student's reaction to the sudden radio instruction from the instructor. The weather conditions at the time were noted as being very good.
Findings
- The instructor's decision to permit the solo flight was appropriate given the student's recent performance.
- The sudden radio command to perform a go-around placed the student in an unexpected and unusual situation.
- The loss of control was triggered by the student's panicked and incorrect control inputs following the unexpected instruction.