What happened
On 15 May 2010, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight at Port Elizabeth Aerodrome in the Eastern Cape. The flight, involving a Cessna 152 with registration ZS-PGE, was intended for circuit and landing exercises. The pilot elected to use Runway 08 to take advantage of the prevailing wind conditions.
During the landing phase, the pilot noted that the aircraft felt too high. In an attempt to correct this, the pilot lowered the aircraft's nose. This maneuver resulted in a hard touchdown, causing the aircraft to bounce twice. Upon the subsequent impact, the aircraft landed directly on its nosewheel, leading to a collapse of the nose landing gear. The aircraft veered off the runway centerline and came to a stop approximately 200 meters down the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid license and medical certificate.
Regarding the aircraft, the investigation found that the Cessna 152 was in a serviceable condition, with no mechanical defects or malfunctions identified that could have contributed to the event. The most recent mandatory periodic inspection had been completed in late April 2010. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with calm winds and excellent visibility (CAVOK).
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the use of an incorrect landing technique, which led to the aircraft bouncing twice and subsequently impacting the ground on the nose gear.
- The aircraft's nose gear collapsed due to the force of the hard landing.
- No mechanical or technical failures contributed to the accident.
- Weather conditions were not a contributing factor.