Factual Information
On 2 April 2005, a student pilot (SPIC) with a total flight time of 32 hours was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) navigation training flight from Hořovice Airport (LKHV) to Hosín Airport (LKHS), with a planned touch-and-go landing at Jindřichův Hradec Airport (LKJH). The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-180, registration OK-SDK, with a total airframe time of 3,569 hours 20 minutes. The last 100-hour/annual inspection was performed on 12 November 2004 at 3,533 hours. The aircraft had valid operating documents, and its technical condition did not contribute to the incident; maintenance was carried out according to the manufacturer's procedures.
At 10:30 UTC, during the touch-and-go on runway 07L at LKJH, the student pilot executed a hard landing. The aircraft bounced, and due to loss of speed and lift, a second hard landing occurred, during which the propeller likely struck the runway surface. After another bounce, the student pilot continued the takeoff and flew as planned to LKHS. Approximately 5 km from LKHS, during the approach, the pilot noticed vibrations in the engine compartment. The landing at LKHS was uneventful.
The weather at the time was CAVOK with wind from 65° at 5 knots, temperature 17°C, QNH 1014 hPa, and a dry runway. The airport LKJH is a public domestic airport located 3 km west of Jindřichův Hradec, elevation 1,683 ft (513 m), with two runways: 07R/25L (grass, 760 m × 54 m) and 07L/25R (asphalt-concrete, 700 m × 22 m).
After landing, the student pilot discovered propeller damage. No injuries were reported; the crew consisted of one person (the student pilot) with no passengers. No other damage or fire occurred.
Analysis
The investigation determined that the student pilot held a valid PPL student pilot license and a valid medical certificate. The departure from LKHV was normal. The departure and destination airports did not influence the event. The aircraft had valid documentation and no technical issues; maintenance was performed per manufacturer procedures. Weather conditions were suitable and did not contribute. The propeller contacted the runway surface after a hard landing at LKJH. The student pilot was unaware of the propeller contact and continued the flight.
Conclusions
The incident was caused by an error in piloting technique during landing and an improperly performed correction of the bounce after a hard landing.
Safety Recommendations
The investigation left safety recommendations to the discretion of the aircraft operator.