What happened
On 28 October 2022, a student pilot was conducting a circuit training flight at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng Province. The flight, operating under Part 141 regulations, began with several successful landing exercises on Runway 29 under clear weather conditions.
During the fourth landing attempt, the Piper PA-28-140, registered ZS-FOR, experienced a phenomenon known as ballooning during the round-out phase. In an attempt to correct the aircraft's altitude, the pilot reduced back pressure on the control column. This maneuver led to a heavy touchdown and a subsequent bounce. Despite the pilot retracting the flaps from 40 degrees to 10 degrees, a second hard impact occurred. This second contact caused the nose wheel to detach and the propeller to strike the runway surface. The aircraft then veered toward the left side of the runway, eventually exiting the paved surface.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and the aircraft's mechanical state following the incident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records, including its annual inspection and Certificate of Airworthiness, were up to date. Meteorological data from the South African Weather Service indicated favorable flying conditions, with light winds and excellent visibility at the time of the occurrence. The investigation focused on the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the critical landing phase and the decision-making process following the initial ballooning.