What happened
On 17 July 2022, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Jabiru 170, registration ZU-FXJ, at Wings Park Airfield in the Eastern Cape. The flight was intended to be a routine exercise within the general flying area, returning to the same airfield from which it departed.
During the initial return to the airfield, the pilot attempted a go-around because the aircraft was too high on final approach for Runway 09. On the subsequent approach, the aircraft's speed and altitude were below recommended parameters. The aircraft made a hard impact on the main landing gear, causing it to balloon. In an attempt to correct the flight path by lowering the nose, the propeller blades struck the ground. This impact caused the nose gear to fail, forcing the aircraft to veer right. Despite rudder corrections, the aircraft exited the runway and struck an embankment, which caused the aircraft to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position. The pilot evacuated the aircraft without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings, engine cowling, propeller, and nose gear.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating under Part 141 regulations and possessed valid documentation, including a Certificate of Registration and a valid Authority to Fly. The aircraft's maintenance records showed a valid Certificate of Release to Service, and the training organization held a valid approval from the regulator. The investigation also noted that the pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate.
Findings
- The aircraft was unstable on approach for landing.
- The aircraft experienced a ballooning effect during the landing flare.
- The impact of the landing caused the nose gear strut to break.