What happened
On 10 July 2022, a student pilot was conducting solo circuit training at Lanseria International Airport in a Cirrus SR20, registration ZS-ZIP. The flight was part of a Part 141 training program. After completing several touch-and-go exercises with an instructor, the student continued solo to perform additional circuits.
During the fourth circuit, the student pilot turned too early on the base leg, resulting in an unstable approach. Realizing the aircraft was too low at the threshold, the pilot increased power and raised the nose to climb. However, instead of executing a go-around, the pilot elected to continue the landing. This resulted in the aircraft floating over the runway at 83 knots with flaps set at only 50%.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced repeatedly. In an attempt to settle the plane, the pilot pulled back on the control stick, which triggered a series of bounces, known as porpoising. The nose gear eventually collapsed forward, causing the aircraft to veer left and strike the runway surface with the propeller. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine cradle, nose gear, and propeller blades, though there were no injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight sequence and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation reviewed Air Traffic Service recordings, which confirmed that while the pilot reported the approach, there was no significant traffic in the circuit that necessitated a rushed decision. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, finding the ZS-ZIP was airworthy and had undergone a recent annual inspection.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to land despite an unstable approach was the primary factor.
- The aircraft was in a configuration intended for a go-around (increased power and 50% flaps) but the pilot chose to land.
- The pilot's decision to land an unstable aircraft with excessive airspeed and improper flap settings caused the porpoising motion.
- The student pilot's attempt to correct the bounce by pulling back on the controls exacerbated the oscillations.
- The student pilot reported feeling rushed due to perceived congestion in the airspace, though ATC records showed no conflicting traffic in the circuit at that time.