Aviation safety investigations & reports
Loss of control during initial climb involving Cessna 150, VH-RXM, at Moorabbin Airport, Vic on 18 February, 2014
AO-2014-023

Summary
On 18 February, 2014 an instructor from a local flying school at Moorabbin Airport, Victoria, conducted a trial instructional flight (TIF) in a Cessna 150, registered VH-RXM.
As the aircraft taxied to the runway holding point, ATC advised of a 3-4 knots tailwind on the duty runway, 35 Left (L). Although the wind was now southerly, the instructor was satisfied it was still acceptable to safely depart on this runway.
The flight was intended to give the student a “hands-on” experience at flying an aircraft. During the take-off, the student slowly advanced the throttle to attain full power, and then applied back pressure to the control column during the rotation and initial climb. These actions were monitored by the instructor. To enhance the “flight experience” for the student, the instructor had minimal input. He did however, maintain full control of the rudder pedals, and took control of the throttle lever once the student had applied full power.
During the initial climb, the student continued to apply back pressure to the control column resulting in a reduction in optimal airspeed, and a higher than normal aircraft nose attitude. As the instructor attempted to rectify the aircraft’s profile, the right wing dropped and the aircraft began to descend.
The instructor’s efforts to recover the aircraft to a normal climb attitude were not successful, and the right side of the aircraft struck the ground. The aircraft bounced, then came to a halt on its left side.
The instructor and student egressed through the right door. They both sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
As a ‘Safety Action’, the flying school have changed their procedure in regard to trial instructional flights.
Instructors will now complete the take-off and initial climb to a height of 300 ft.
Photos
To download, click the link, then right-click and select Save As.
Copyright in material obtained from other agencies, private individuals or organisations, belongs to those agencies, individuals or organisations and should be credited accordingly.
General details
Date: | 18 February 2014 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1120 EDT | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | Moorabbin Airport | ||||
State: | Victoria | Occurrence type: | Collision with terrain | ||
Release date: | 17 June 2014 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | Minor |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 150 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-RXM | |
Serial number | 15065186 | |
Type of operation | Flying Training | |
Sector | Piston | |
Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
Departure point | Moorabbin, Vic. | |
Destination | Moorabbin, Vic. |