Student Pilot Involved in Runway Excursion at Nelspruit Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Nelspruit Aerodrome, ZA

A student pilot's solo training flight ended in an inverted aircraft after a landing error led to a runway excursion at Nelspruit Aerodrome.

What happened

On 17 May 2006, a Cessna 150G, registration ZS-EPE, was involved in a landing accident at Nelsproll Aerodrome (FANS) during a solo training flight. While attempting to land on Runway 04, the student pilot struggled to maintain the appropriate glideslope and altitude. In an attempt to correct the high approach, the pilot pitched the nose down, which inadvertently increased the aircraft's airspeed.

As a result, the aircraft floated significantly down the runway, touching down with less than half of the available runway surface remaining. Upon touchdown, the pilot immediately applied maximum braking. During this process, the aircraft began to shake and veered to the left, departing the paved surface and striking a runway light. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot sustained no fatal injuries, though they later reported minor abrasions to the knee and forearm.

The investigation

The SACAA AIID investigation established that the aircraft was in a serviceable condition and the weather was clear with light winds. The investigation focused on the pilot's approach technique and adherence to established procedures. It was noted that the pilot had only 25 total flying hours and had been training with the same aircraft since the start of their flight instruction.

Investigators examined the aerodrome's specific operational requirements, noting that according to the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), Runway 04 should generally be used for take-offs only, with landings preferred on Runway 22 unless strong southerly winds are present. The investigation also looked into the training organization's procedures regarding student awareness of such regulatory requirements.

Findings

  • The pilot failed to maintain the necessary approach altitude and speed, leading to a deep landing.
  • The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite the unstable approach.
  • The pilot did not comply with the specific approach and landing procedures for FANS as outlined in the AIP.
  • The application of maximum braking caused a loss of directional control.
  • The student pilot's lack of experience contributed to the inability to manage the complex landing conditions on Runway 04.

Probable cause

The primary cause was the pilot's failure to maintain the correct approach altitude and speed, which resulted in a landing too far down the runway and a subsequent loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-05-17 Cessna 150G accident near Nelspruit Aerodrome, ZA?

A student pilot's solo training flight ended in an inverted aircraft after a landing error led to a runway excursion at Nelspruit Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-05-17 involved a Cessna 150G, registration ZS-EPE, at Nelspruit Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was the pilot's failure to maintain the correct approach altitude and speed, which resulted in a landing too far down the runway and a subsequent loss of directional control.

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