What happened
On September 3, 2020, a Cessna 172 R, registered HB-TEA, was performing a solo instructional flight at Ecuvillens, Switzerland. The student pilot, who had previously completed several training sessions with an instructor on the same day, was conducting their first solo flight.
During the landing phase, the aircraft touched down with a low pitch attitude, causing it to bounce slightly. Upon the second contact with the runway, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the pavement. While the instructor monitored the flight from the airfield office and provided verbal instructions via radio, the student pilot's rudder corrections were insufficient to maintain the centerline. Consequently, the aircraft exited the runway, striking a runway edge light with the right landing gear. The impact damaged the right gear fairing and destroyed the light fixture. The aircraft continued to taxi on the grass before coming to a stop approximately 500 meters from the threshold of runway 27.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight data from the aircraft's FLARM system, which showed that the final approach trajectory was stable and consistent with the previous flight conducted with the instructor. The approach speed was also within the recommended manual limits.
Investigators also reviewed the experience levels of both parties. The student pilot had accumulated 39 hours of total flight time, though training had been interrupted by several months. The instructor, a highly experienced pilot with over 4,400 total hours, expressed hesitation regarding the student's readiness due to the student's inconsistent training schedule and perceived lack of engagement.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was insufficient rudder input by the student pilot to counteract the lateral drift following a landing bounce.
- The instructor's attempt to provide guidance via radio communication was ineffective in the dynamic environment of the landing.
- The instructor noted that the student's lack of regular training frequency, due to professional commitments, had impacted their progression.
Safety action
- The investigation highlighted that instructors may face pressure to authorize a first solo flight to motivate a student, even when doubts exist.
- It is recommended that when an instructor is uncertain about a student's readiness, they seek an independent evaluation from a second instructor to provide an unbiased assessment of the student's capabilities.