Introduction
On 28 October 2022 at 0655Z, a student pilot conducting a circuit training flight at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB), Gauteng Province, experienced a hard landing that resulted in substantial damage to the nose gear and propeller of the Piper PA-28-140 aircraft, registration ZS-FOR. The flight was operated under Part 141 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations in visual meteorological conditions by day.
Event Description
The student pilot reported completing three uneventful circuit-and-landing exercises on Runway 29. During the fourth circuit, while landing and on round-out, the aircraft ballooned. To correct this, the student pilot released back pressure on the control column, causing the aircraft to land hard and bounce. The student pilot then retracted the flaps from 40 degrees to 10 degrees, but the aircraft landed hard again. On the second touchdown, the nose wheel broke off and the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft veered left off the runway despite the student pilot applying right rudder and brakes. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear and propeller blades.
Findings
The student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence issued on 9 April 2022, with a Class 1 medical certificate requiring corrective lenses. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Release to Service, with the last annual inspection on 1 April 2022. The Approved Training Organisation held a valid Part 141 certificate. Weather conditions at the time were clear, with wind from 270° at 5 knots, visibility 10 km, and no cloud cover.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that it is likely the aircraft’s speed was high on approach and, during the round-out, the aircraft ballooned and landed hard before exiting the runway.
Contributing Factor
The student pilot used an incorrect technique to recover the aircraft instead of executing a go-around.