Synopsis
On 12 March 2008, at 21 Zulu, a student pilot operating a Piper PA28-140 (registration ZS-DYY) departed from Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) for a training flight in the Johannesburg general flying area. The pilot held a valid student licence and had accumulated 100.1 total flying hours, with 97.3 hours on type. The flight proceeded uneventfully, though the pilot encountered light rain without entering instrument meteorological conditions.
Approach and Landing
Upon returning to Rand Aerodrome, the pilot contacted air traffic control on frequency 118.7 MHz and requested joining and landing instructions. Clearance was given to land on runway 29. The pilot configured the aircraft with 30 degrees of flaps and maintained an indicated airspeed of 80 mph. The approach was described as normal, and the pilot felt comfortable to land.
During the flare, the pilot flared the aircraft too high, but the aircraft touched down on the main wheels and the nose wheel. The touchdown resulted in a bounce. The pilot responded by reducing power and lowering the nose to recover from the bounce. This caused the aircraft to contact the runway on the nose wheel first, leading to a wheel-barrow condition. The aircraft then veered to the right and departed the runway surface. The propeller subsequently struck the ground.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the incident, meteorological conditions were reported as CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK). Surface wind was from 260 degrees at 10 knots, temperature was 22°C, dew point was 11°C, and there were no clouds. Visibility was unrestricted.
Injuries and Damage
There were no injuries to the pilot, who was the sole occupant. The aircraft sustained damage when the propeller contacted the ground.
Probable Cause
The incident was attributed to a hard landing resulting from the pilot applying an incorrect landing technique.