Saturday, August 28, 2021

Abnormal Runway Contact: Tecnam P-92 Echo Super, N508TE: Accident occurred August 28, 2020 at Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (KCHO), Albemarle County, Virginia

View of the collapsed nose landing gear.

View of the fractured engine mount.



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Heart of Virginia Aviation Inc


Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Accident Number: ERA20CA304
Date & Time: August 28, 2020, 15:50 Local 
Registration: N508TE
Aircraft: Tecnam P92 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that during a cross-country flight, he entered the traffic pattern at his first destination, and while on final approach he needed to add power to correct the airplane’s low approach. During the touchdown he reported that the “nose wheel dropped hard and bounced twice and damaged the front nose wheel and the prop.” Subsequently, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The airplane’s engine mount sustained substantial damage. Review of airport security video showed that the airplane touched down and bounced three times. On the third touchdown, the airplane did not become airborne again and stopped shortly after. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and a nose landing gear collapse.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot
Aircraft Landing flare - Incorrect use/operation
Aircraft Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Hard landing
Landing-flare/touchdown Landing gear collapse

Student pilot Information

Certificate: Student 
Age: 25,Male
Airplane Rating(s): None 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 1, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 44 hours (Total, all aircraft), 44 hours (Total, this make and model), 5.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 6.4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Tecnam
Registration: N508TE
Model/Series: P92 EA 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2007 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Special light-sport (Special)
Serial Number: 1110
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 22, 2019 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2448 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C91A installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 98 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot school (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: CHO,640 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 15:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 2500 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 180° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Richmond/Ashland, VA (OFP)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Charlottesville, VA (CHO)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:45 Local
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Charlottesville-Albemarle CHO 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 640 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 21 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6801 ft / 150 ft VFR
Approach/Landing: Stop and go; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:38.13972,-78.452224(est)

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