What happened
On 16 November 2021, a Cessna 172M, registration ZS-PMK, was conducting a training flight under Part 141 regulations at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB). The aircraft was operated by a single pilot returning to the aerodrome for landing on Runway 2 and was cleared for arrival by air traffic control.
As the aircraft approached the runway, it touched down just past the threshold. The initial contact occurred with the main wheels while the aircraft maintained a high nose-up attitude. As the pilot attempted to lower the nose gear, the aircraft struck the runway surface with significant force. The impact caused structural damage to the nose gear oleo and the forward firewall. The pilot sustained no injuries and was able to move the aircraft off the runway without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation into the incident examined the mechanical state of the aircraft, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the event. Investigators confirmed that there were no mechanical or engine malfunctions that contributed to the event. The aircraft's weight and balance were within safe limits, as the pilot was the sole occupant.
Records indicated that the pilot had limited experience on this specific aircraft type, with only 10.7 total hours on the model and only 6.4 hours of flight time recorded in the 90 days prior to the accident. The training organization involved held a valid certificate issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the use of an incorrect landing technique, which led to the hard impact.
- A 6-knot crosswind from the right was present during the landing and may have acted as a contributing factor.
- The pilot's recent flight experience on the Cessna 172M was notably low.