What happened
On 14 August 2022, an Aquila Aviation International GmbH AT01-100, registration TC-UZS, was performing a solo navigation training flight from Bursa Yenişehir Airport to the Sakarya Pamukova Landing Strip (ZZZZ). The flight was being conducted by a student pilot as part of a required solo navigation mission.
During the approach to runway 07 at Pamukova, the pilot was unable to maintain a stable approach due to being excessively high. This instability led to the propeller striking the runway surface, causing the pilot to initiate a go-around. Notably, the pilot did not realize that the propeller and nose gear had sustained damage during this initial contact.
Upon returning to the pattern for a second landing attempt, the pilot successfully stabilized the approach but failed to manage the aircraft's nose gear correctly after the main gear touched down. The previously damaged nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to strike the ground with the nose and veer off the right side of the runway. The aircraft sustained light damage, including a broken nose gear, damaged propeller blades, and engine-related damage due to the propeller strike.
The investigation
The UEİM investigation examined the flight logs, maintenance records, and meteorological data. The investigation reviewed the student pilot's training status, medical certification, and post-incident alcohol testing, which returned a result of 0.00 promille. The investigation also scrutinized the aircraft's maintenance history, finding that all required inspections and life-limited part replacements were up to date. Additionally, investigators reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance calculations and noted discrepancies in the aircraft flight log (AFML), specifically regarding incomplete oil and fuel entries for the flight in question.
Findings
- The student pilot approached the runway at an altitude higher than required for a standard approach.
- The approach was unstable, with excessive speed resulting from an increased descent angle used to compensate for the high altitude.
- The pilot failed to execute a timely go-around after the first landing attempt, which resulted in the propeller striking the runway.
- The pilot lacked situational awareness, failing to recognize the damage caused to the nose gear and propeller during the first attempt.
- The collapse of the nose gear during the second landing was a direct consequence of the damage sustained during the first approach.
- Discrepancies were noted in the aircraft flight log, where fuel and oil entries were left incomplete for the day of the occurrence.