This is a video of a plane accident. At Toronto Airport, a student pilot was practicing flying a Cessna 172M, a small airplane. They were doing circuits, which means taking off and landing multiple times to practice their skills.
During one of the landings, something went wrong. After the plane touched down on the runway, it started turning to the left unexpectedly. The pilot tried to regain control by applying full power to the engine, hoping to take off again.
Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the plane couldn’t get airborne again. As a result of the unexpected turn and unsuccessful takeoff, the student pilot had to be taken to the hospital for a check-up. Luckily, the injuries were minor, and he received prompt medical attention.
The objective of this video
The objective of this video is to identify the reasons behind this accident and to prevent these types of accidents in the future.
There were a few errors made by the pilot in this scenario.
Failure to anticipate and react to the gusting wind.
When the aircraft touched down, it encountered a gust of wind or some other factor that caused it to turn sharply on the runway. The pilot should have anticipated and quickly corrected for these changing wind conditions, using appropriate control inputs to maintain runway alignment.
Improper decision-making during the go-around
Instead of recognizing that the aircraft was misaligned with the runway and taking appropriate corrective action, such as reducing throttle and using rudder control to steer away from the runway, the pilot chose to attempt a takeoff from an improper position. This decision increased the risk of a runway excursion or collision with nearby obstacles.
Loss of directional control
The veering of the aircraft to the left after the touchdown suggests a loss of directional control. This could be due to factors such as crosswinds, uneven runway surface, or incorrect rudder inputs by the pilot.
Incorrect use of flight controls on the ground
When the pilot was approaching the hangar, they mistakenly used the yoke (control column) as if it were a steering wheel, attempting to steer the aircraft using the wrong control inputs. On the ground, the primary control for directional movement is the rudder pedals, not the yoke.
Proficiency
Regular practice and maintaining currency in flying skills are crucial. Pilots should participate in recurrent training programs, simulator sessions, and practice landings to stay proficient and confident in their abilities. It’s important for pilots to undergo proper training, practice good decision-making, and be familiar with the correct use of flight controls in different phases of flight.