Accident to the Czech Sport PS28 registered F-HLOC on 15/03/2023 at Aire-sur-l'Adour

This is a courtesy translation by the BEA of the Final Report on the Safety Investigation. As accurate as the translation may be, the original text in French is the work of reference

Note: the following information is principally based on the pilot’s statement. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA.

1. History of the flight

The pilot carried out a first flight in dual control with her instructor. The instructor suggested that she carry out a solo flight and asked her to make full-stop landings on paved runway 12 at the end of each runway circuit.

The first solo runway circuit was completed with a landing which the instructor and pilot considered a little long.

She took off again for another circuit. On final, she considered that the approach was stabilised but that the slope was a little steep. She corrected her approach slope by pushing on the stick. The speed increased up to 65 kt. Considering that the runway was sufficiently long, the pilot decided to continue the landing. During the flare, she saw the aeroplane’s pitch attitude increase. She made a nose-down input to counter this movement. The aeroplane bounced several times and the nose gear ruptured.

2. Additional information

2.1 Meteorological information

Wind calm, CAVOK.

2.2 Aerodrome

The aerodrome has a paved runway 12-30 and an unpaved runway. The landing distance available on paved runway 12 is 840 m.

2.3 Experience

On the day of the accident, the 62-year-old pilot had logged 30 flight hours. She had been authorised for solo flight on 3 March 2023. She had logged a solo flight time of 45 min.

2.4 Instructor’s statement

The instructor stated that the speed normally chosen for landing is 60 kt. He added that he considered that this aeroplane was light on the controls and required more attention when landing than the other club aeroplane, a DR 400.

December 2023