Background
On 10 July 2022, a Cirrus SR20 aircraft, registration ZS-ZIP, was engaged in touch-and-go circuit training at Lanseria International Airport (FALA), Gauteng Province. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions and in accordance with Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Initially, an instructor and a student pilot were on board, completing three touch-and-go circuits on Runway 07. The instructor then disembarked and proceeded to the tower to continue instruction while the student pilot conducted solo consolidation circuits.
Accident Sequence
The student pilot completed three additional touch-and-go circuits before attempting a full-stop landing on the fourth circuit. During the approach, he shortened the base leg by turning early. On final approach, the flaps were set to 50% and the indicated airspeed was 83 knots. The student realized the aircraft was too low, added power, and raised the nose to gain altitude. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, he reduced power, causing the aircraft to float. Touchdown resulted in a bounce. The student pulled back on the control stick to settle the aircraft, but a series of bounces ensued. The nose gear bent forward, causing the aircraft to veer left off the runway. The student applied left rudder and brakes; during this, the propeller struck the runway surface. The aircraft came to rest a few meters from the left edge of the runway. The student shut off the electrical system and fuel valve before vacating unassisted. Damage was sustained to the nose gear, engine cradle, and propeller blades. No person was injured.
Post-Accident Findings
Post-accident, the student pilot stated that congested airspace led to a rushed decision to land despite an unfavorable approach profile. Air traffic service recordings indicated the frequency was 124.0 MHz. The tower observed the bounce and veer-off. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and the student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and medical certificate. The aircraft's annual inspection had been completed five days prior. The Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies that landings should be made with full flaps; landing with 50% flaps requires power to maintain a normal glide path and low descent rate. The Airplane Flying Handbook advises executing a go-around immediately upon severe porpoising. The Approved Training Organisation's internal investigation attributed the accident to the student adding power due to a low approach, resulting in excess energy on the round out and a bounce/porpoised landing.
Probable Cause
The student pilot added more power due to low approach, resulting in excess energy on the round out, which caused a bounce/porpoised landing.