What happened
On 15 October 2011, a private flight involving a pilot and one passenger transitioned from Springs Aerodrome toward Panorama Aerodrome. As the RV-12, registration ZU-XII, approached Runway 01, the pilot noted a lack of familiarity with the airfield. During the approach, the pilot perceived that the aircraft was tracking too far down the runway. In an attempt to correct the position, the pilot increased the approach angle. This maneuver led to a hard landing that caused the nose landing gear to collapse and break away from the airframe.
Both occupants sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage, specifically to the propeller, the right wing, and the undercarriage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and meteorological conditions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid microlight license and medical certificate. The weather at the time of the incident was clear with good visibility, and therefore not a contributing factor. Furthermore, the aircraft was found to be properly certified and maintained, with no mechanical malfunctions or defects identified that could have contributed to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a hard landing that resulted in the separation of the nose landing gear.
- A significant contributing factor was the high angle of approach adopted by the pilot.
- The pilot's attempt to compensate for a perceived deep touchdown by pushing the nose forward increased the rate of descent, which was not arrested prior to touchdown.