AAIB investigation to Cessna R172K Hawk XP, G-XPII
Heavy landing while the pilot was flying from the right seat for training purposes, Tollerton Airfield, Nottingham, 4 November 2017.
Summary:
A qualified pilot was receiving instruction on flying from the right seat and the first approach to land resulted in a go-around because the aircraft was too high and too slow. During the latter part of the second circuit, the airspeed fluctuated and the instructor prompted the pilot several times when he saw the speed reducing towards the targeted minimum. At 20-30 feet and with a low power setting, the pilot began to flare, causing the aircraft to decelerate further and then sink. The instructor took control but was unable to prevent the aircraft from striking the ground heavily and bouncing before the landing was completed.
After the flight, the aircraft was found to be damaged and the pilot undergoing training stated that she had difficulty in monitoring the airspeed indicator from the right seat. The instructor assessed that the pilot was unaware the aircraft was high and slow at the beginning of the landing flare, because of being unfamiliar with flying from this seat.
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