Multiple reports from a controller; instructor pilot; and the student pilot describe an emergency event that included failed landing attempts and low fuel issues.
Synopsis
Multiple reports from a controller; instructor pilot; and the student pilot describe an emergency event that included failed landing attempts and low fuel issues.
Narrative
We received a GI message from ZZZ1 Tower regarding a C172. He had departed ZZZ on a VFR cross country flight from ZZZ-ZZZ1. While at ZZZ1 he was to land; re-fuel and depart back to ZZZ. The GI message stated he had made 4 unsuccessful landing attempts at ZZZ1; all 4 were very scary in the ZZZ1 Tower's words. The C172 elected to abandon his attempt at ZZZ1 and return to ZZZ without refueling. The C172 entered the traffic pattern at ZZZ for a full stop landing. The C172 first attempt at landing was 3 unstable porpoise landings; and a scary go-around maneuver. On his upwind leg he called minimum fuel and we declared an Alert One. The C172's second attempt was more of the same with a right wing 45 degree down angle go-around. As CIC I called requested a flight instructor to assist in getting the aircraft down safely. The C172 was on final approach for his 3rd attempt as the flight instructor entered the cab. We set up the frequency for him and he began to talk the aircraft and student down. The C172; with the help of the instructor's calm voice; then landed safely and the rescue vehicles were able to approach the aircraft. Upon landing his left brake appeared to be stuck as a considerable amount of smoke came from the left main tire. Recommendation; It is my feeling if we had more people on shift the situation could have been handled better and with less chaos. Perhaps we would have then been able to ask for assistance in more timely manner.
Second reporter narrative
On one of my student's recent cross country flights he experienced some difficulty landing the aircraft at his planned destination airport. After several go arounds; he decided to return to his home airport without refueling. On the way back; his power setting was higher than originally planned resulting in a greater fuel burn than anticipated. When he arrived at his home airport; he again had some difficulty landing the aircraft; and conducted several go arounds. He became worried that he was running low on fuel; and declared an emergency with the Control Tower. Our flight school was notified by the Tower Controller; and was able to help talk the student down. The student then landed without incident.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.