DA20 Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 155; Flight Crew Total 810; Flight Crew Type 205
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Human Factors; Procedure
Student and instructor took off on a training flight in the traffic pattern. During the preflight; the student had hung the chocks on the boarding step of the pilot's side of the aircraft. Neither student nor instructor noticed that the chocks were hanging on the step when they boarded the aircraft. On initial climb; instructor noted that there was a distinct knocking on the fuselage. CFI queried ATC to look at the aircraft and check if something was hanging but ATC reported all looked ok. When power was reduced on downwind; a moderate to severe vibration developed on the aircraft. CFI took control; declared an emergency and landed the aircraft. Post flight inspection revealed the chocks were hanging on the step and had been banging against the aircraft; causing the vibration. No damage occurred to the aircraft.
Noting a noise and vibration after takeoff; a DA20 instructor pilot declared an emergency and returned to base. Student pilot had left chocks hanging on boarding step.