What happened
On 2 August 2007, a Zenair CH701SP, registration G-CCSK, was conducting a training flight at Netherthorpe Airfield in Nottinghamshire. The flight was intended to demonstrate the handling characteristics of the Zenair 701 in comparison to a Cessna 150. The crew consisted of an instructor and a student pilot, who had recently completed private pilot training and was becoming familiar with this specific aircraft type.
During the second flight of the day, the student occupied the left seat. While the first two circuits were completed without incident, the instructor noted an increased rate of descent as the aircraft approached the final landing. In response, the student applied excessive power and then closed the throttle, followed by a rapid forward movement of the control column. This sequence caused the nose gear to strike the ground and subsequently collapse, leading to propeller contact with the surface. There were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence and the differences in control configurations between the aircraft involved in the training. It was noted that the student pilot had significant experience in a Cessna 150 but very limited experience on the Zenair CH701SP.
Investigators looked into the specific control layout of the Zenair CH701SP, noting that unlike the Cessna 150, the right-hand side of the cockpit operates the control column, while the left-hand side operates the throttle. The investigation established that the student's actions were likely a result of reverting to habits learned in the Cessna 150 under the pressure of a high descent rate.
Findings
- The nose wheel assembly and propeller sustained damage, with evidence of a probable shock-loaded engine.
- The student pilot's lack of familiarity with the control configuration of the Zenair 701 led to incorrect manual inputs during the landing flare.