Student Pilot Loss of Depth Perception Leads to Nose Gear Collapse in Cessna 172

Casualties unknown • PISTA DEL AERÓDROMO LA AGUAPA, MUNICIPIO DE MASAGUA, DEPARTAMENTO, GT

A student pilot's high-speed approach caused a Cessna 172 to impact the runway on its nose gear, resulting in a series of bounces and structural failure at a Guatemalan airfield.

What happened

On February 7, 2024, a Cessna 172 N, registration TG-AER, was conducting a flight instruction mission at the La Aguapa airfield in Masagua, Escuintla, Guatemala. The flight, operated by an aviation school, involved a student pilot and an instructor performing maneuvers including touch-and-go landings.

During the landing phase, the student pilot approached the runway at approximately 100 knots, significantly exceeding the 60-knot approach speed specified in the aircraft's flight manual. This high-speed approach caused the aircraft to impact the runway on its nose gear rather than the main landing gear. The impact triggered a series of uncontrolled bounces, commonly referred to as "bunny hops," which ultimately led to the structural failure of the nose gear.

The investigation

The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the flight crew's qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators found that the aircraft's mechanical systems, including the engine, electrical, and fuel systems, were functioning correctly. Maintenance logs indicated that all scheduled services had been performed according to the manufacturer's manual, and no mechanical discrepancies were identified as contributing factors.

Weather conditions at the site were reported by the crew as being adequate for flight training. The investigation also reviewed the student pilot's medical and psychological status, finding no evidence of physiological or psychological impairment that would have contributed to the event.

Findings

  • The student pilot experienced a loss of depth perception during the final approach.
  • The approach speed was approximately 100 knots, which was much higher than the recommended 60 knots.
  • The aircraft made initial contact with the runway using the nose gear instead of the main landing gear.
  • The impact of the nose gear caused a sequence of bounces that resulted in the collapse of the nose gear assembly.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness and depth perception, leading to an improper landing angle and an excessive approach speed that caused the nose gear to impact the runway first.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-02-07 aircraft accident near PISTA DEL AERÓDROMO LA AGUAPA, MUNICIPIO DE MASAGUA, DEPARTAMENTO, GT?

A student pilot's high-speed approach caused a Cessna 172 to impact the runway on its nose gear, resulting in a series of bounces and structural failure at a Guatemalan airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-02-07 involved a aircraft, registration TG-AER, at PISTA DEL AERÓDROMO LA AGUAPA, MUNICIPIO DE MASAGUA, DEPARTAMENTO, GT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness and depth perception, leading to an improper landing angle and an excessive approach speed that caused the nose gear to impact the runway first.

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