Katana DA 20C1 C-GMFB
21 July 2004
Moncton, New Brunswick
During the second flight of the day, a student pilot participating in the Air Cadet Powered Flying Scholarship Program at Moncton Flight College experienced a hard landing while conducting a solo training flight at Moncton Airport. There were no injuries. The aircraft suffered "C" category damage.
The student pilot flew the final approach according to standard procedures. However, the flare prior to touch down was not initiated. The aircraft was subsequently flown onto the runway in a nose low attitude which allowed the propeller to contact the runway. Following the hard landing the pilot applied power and commenced an overshoot. Once airborne and back in the ciruit again, the aircraft experienced significant vibrations. The pilot notified the tower and then successfully continued the circuit to a final landing. The aircraft was then taxied to the ramp without further incident.
The Flight Safety Investigation concluded that the hard landing was caused by the student pilot's failure to initiate a flare. The student pilot had experienced difficulty and shown inconsistency with landings in previous lesson plans. Two instructor changes in the four lessons prior to the accident flight made the student's ability to correct landing problems more difficult.
Moncton Flight College has initiated action to address the need for instructor continuity during critical phases of training.
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