The list below states the most noteworthy and relevant incidents of the past months. If you want to know about incidents that occurred you can contact the SCMM (scmm@eflight.nl).

Tow bar not removed before flight

During a flight at Lelystad Airport, the tow bar of the PH-BRI was left on the nose wheel. Flying the aircraft with the tow bar still connected is very dangerous and could lead to the tow bar hitting the propeller. Fortunately, the pilot was able to land the aircraft without any damage to the aircraft.

This is the second time the tow bar of the BRI wasn’t removed before the aircraft started moving. In both cases the pilots were notified by ATC (once before during taxi, once in flight).

Always remove the tow bar directly after moving the aircraft manually

You can place the tow bar in the storage compartment behind the seats or next to nose wheel

Always perform a walkaround before getting into the aircraft and check where the tow bar is

Flat tire with the PH-VEX

The right main gear tire of the PH-VEX deflated during a landing roll. Probably due to (unconsciously) stepping on the brake pedal during touch down.

Always make sure your feet are not touching the brakes during touchdown. Don’t lift your feet while operating the pedals. Keep your heels on the floor and use your toes for yawing.

Always check status of the entire tire during the preflight inspection. This means that aircraft with fairings (PH-VEX and PH-BRI) must be moved a few times during the walk around to be able to check the tires all the way around

After the incident, be available for the airport authorities to help move the aircraft from the runway (in case the aircraft is still on the runway). You can call E-Flight (055 203 2230) for instructions if needed

Two tailstrikes

We had two tailstrikes in the past few months. One was during a soft field take off, and one during a SEFATO (Simulated Engine Failure After Take Off). In both cases there was no significant damage to the aircraft.

Please be aware of the higher risk of a tailstrike during these exercises

Follow the SOP’s closely when performing them for safe operations and to prevent a tailstrike

Passenger throws up during flight

During a rental flight on a Velis, the passengers threw up between Sierra and downwind. The PIC got distracted because of this and was therefore not aware of other circuit traffic while joining downwind, resulting in an airprox.

Make sure that there is always a sick bag on board during flight

In case you don’t see a sick bag during the preflight inspection, or you have used one during your flight: you can find new ones in the cabinet next to the logbooks

In case there are distractions during the approach phase of your flight, you can always go around and / or return to Sierra (in case of EHTE)

Two aircraft got of the runway due to ‘freezing’ of the student

During the roll on the runway the student panicked and pressed the brake / rudder pedal and the FI was unable to keep the aircraft in a straight line. This has happened twice in the past few months. One time the aircraft got off the runway during the landing roll and the other time the take-off was aborted.

Be aware that this can always happen, also at low speeds on the ground

Always do the IMSAFE check before flight

As a student or renter: do not go flying when you are not fully fit to fly, also when you are not Pilot in Command

Don’t leave the fuel cart unattended

A student and instructor completed a fuel uplift, after which the instructor moved the fuel cart clear to allow the aircraft to manoeuvre onto the parking area. The instructor then went inside the hangar to place back the fire extinguisher while the student moved the aircraft forward. Within 10–15 seconds, the unattended fuel cart rolled approximately 7 metres toward the grass. Upon returning outside, the instructor noticed the movement and retrieved the cart before any damage occurred.

Be aware that there is a slight slope in the platform in front of the hangar and that

Use the wheel chock of the fuel cart to prevent it from rolling away