Accident Overview
On 3 September 2024, at approximately 07:18 UTC, a Diamond DA20-C1 aircraft, registration TC-AJF and serial number C0560, operated by Ayjet Anadolu Yıldızları Hava Taşımacılığı ve Uçuş Eğitim Hizmetleri A.Ş., sustained a nose landing gear failure during a landing at Hezarfen Airport (LTBW). The aircraft was conducting a solo training flight (mission E-13) under visual flight rules, with the student pilot as the sole occupant.
Flight History
According to the flight plan filed with Hezarfen Airport authorities, the aircraft departed LTBW at 07:00 UTC, with an alternate airport of Çorlu Atatürk Airport (LTBU). The flight was intended as the student pilot's first solo flight, with a planned duration of 0 hours 5 minutes and fuel for 3 hours. During the landing approach to runway 05, the student pilot, believing the aircraft was high, lowered the nose. The aircraft contacted the runway and began to bounce. The student initiated a go-around, but during the initial touchdown sequence, the nose wheel detached. Air traffic control instructed the student to hold while instructors on the ground provided guidance. The aircraft subsequently landed without the nose wheel, coming to a stop on the runway. The student secured the aircraft and evacuated on their own.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained light damage, specifically: the nose landing gear was fractured, the propeller blade tips were damaged due to contact with the runway, and the engine required inspection due to the propeller strike. No other damage to third parties occurred.
Personnel Information
The student pilot, born 10 September 1995, held a student pilot license issued on 31 January 2024. The radio telephony operator authorization and solo flight endorsement were both dated 3 September 2024. The pilot held a Class 1 medical certificate valid until 2 October 2024, with a visual limitation (VDL) restriction.
Aircraft Information
The Diamond DA20-C1 (MSN C0560, 2010) had a maximum takeoff weight of 800 kg and a total airframe time of 10,446 hours 35 minutes. The engine, a Continental IO-240B (serial 1044041), had 258 hours 45 minutes since new. The aircraft's maintenance records showed no overdue items; a 50-hour inspection was completed on 29 August 2024. All applicable airworthiness directives and service bulletins were complied with. The investigation group considered maintenance not to be a factor in the event.
Meteorological Conditions
The METAR for 03:20 UTC on 3 September 2024 at a nearby station reported wind from 290° at 4 knots, visibility 10 km or more, no significant cloud, temperature 26°C, dew point 18°C, and QNH 1015 hPa. The TAF for the period indicated variable wind conditions.
Conclusion
No injuries were reported. The aircraft was damaged as described. The probable cause was not specified in the available report.