What happened
On 14 May 2022, a student pilot was conducting circuit training at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng. The flight, part of a Part 1-41 training program, involved a Cessna 172N Skyhawk, registration ZS-PYT. After completing several circuits with an instructor, the student pilot was cleared to continue the session solo.
During the third solo circuit, the pilot maintained an approach speed between 65 and 70 knots, which aligned with the manufacturer's recommended limits. However, upon touchdown on Runway 29, the nose gear assembly failed. The nose gear fork broke, causing the end of the oleo strut to scrape the runway surface. This was followed by multiple propeller strikes as the aircraft slid along the pavement before coming to a halt. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the mechanical failure and the pilot's performance. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were clear with good visibility and light winds. The aircraft had recently undergone a periodic maintenance inspection just four days prior to the accident.
Investigators reviewed the maintenance history of the nose gear fork, noting that a non-destructive testing (NDT) procedure had been performed in late 2019, with the next inspection not due until 2024. Physical evidence from the aircraft showed clean breaks in the nose gear assembly with no evidence of pre-existing cracks or fatigue prior to the event.