History of Flight
On 20 February 2011, a Tecnam P92-S Echo (registration ZU-DHF) departed Kitty Hawk Estate Airfield for a familiarisation training flight with two pilots on board—an instructor and a trainee. The trainee performed most of the flying, with occasional demonstrations by the instructor. After training in the Pretoria general flying area, the aircraft joined the circuit using Runway 19 due to wind direction. The pilots conducted touch-and-go landings.
The trainee reported that the first landing was firm due to abruptly closing the throttle before touchdown, causing the aircraft to sink and veer right. The landing was not smooth but not damaging. The second landing was softer but the nose pointed slightly right; afterward, a minor vibration was felt. The pilots stopped for a visual inspection, finding the landing gear and brakes serviceable. Two more landings were described as smooth. During the fifth landing (a touch-and-go), a vibration worsened into a wobble during the landing roll. The aircraft pulled left; the trainee applied right rudder and back pressure. The instructor called for engine shutdown, and the aircraft stopped with the left wingtip touching the grass. The left main gear had folded under the fuselage; the nose gear was bent right.
Inspection revealed that the left main gear retaining bracket and two outboard bolts were missing, later found on the runway. The aircraft sustained major damage; the pilots were not injured.
Injuries to Persons
There were no injuries. The two pilots (one crew, one passenger) reported none.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained major damage, including to the left side of the fuselage belly, left main gear, and nose landing gear.
Personnel Information
The instructor, aged 46, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with 4,590 total flight hours (158 on type). The trainee, aged 40, held a Commercial Pilot Licence with 230 total hours (2.3 on type).
Aircraft Information
The Tecnam P92-S Echo (serial number 799) was an all-metal, high-wing, single-engine aircraft with tricycle landing gear. Its total airframe time was 2,500.1 hours. The engine was a Rotax 912 ULS. The aircraft was operated under a Training School Authority to Fly.
Meteorological Information
Wind was southerly at ±10 knots, temperature 25°C, visibility good, cloud cover CAVOK.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The left main gear failed, causing the aircraft to veer left. Broken bolts from the left main gear bracket were found about 200 metres from the runway threshold. The aircraft stopped approximately 150 metres from the threshold.