Occurrence Details
On 23 August 2022 at 0949Z, a student pilot conducted a solo training circuit flight in a Sling 2 aircraft (registration ZU-FUS) from Port Elizabeth International Airport (FAPE) in the Eastern Cape province. The aircraft was operated under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
The student pilot had previously completed two successful circuits. On the third circuit, the aircraft approached Runway 08 at an airspeed of 70 knots. The pilot applied excessive back pressure on the control column, causing the aircraft to touch down approximately 837 metres from the runway threshold at 50 knots. The aircraft then bounced, followed by a hard landing with the nose gear contacting the runway first. The nose gear bent backwards, and the propeller struck the ground. The student pilot was not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Sling 2 (serial number 080) had accumulated 6,652.3 total hours. Its Certificate of Release to Service was issued on 18 August 2022 at 6,643.2 hours, valid until 17 August 2023 or 6,743.2 hours. The last mandatory periodic inspection occurred on 18 August 2022. The aircraft had a valid Authority to Fly expiring 28 February 2023.
The student pilot held a Student Pilot Licence issued on 4 July 2021, valid until 25 July 2023, and a Class 2 aviation medical certificate valid until 30 June 2026. The pilot had 23.2 total hours on the aircraft type and 10.8 hours in the preceding 90 days.
Weather Conditions
The South African Weather Service reported at 0900Z: wind 040° at 12 knots, temperature 16°C, dew point 12°C, QNH 1022 hPa, visibility 9999, nil cloud below flight level 025. Moderate turbulence was forecast below FL045. Weather did not contribute to the accident, though a 7-knot crosswind component existed.
Findings
The aircraft's Certificate of Registration was issued to the current owner on 31 August 2012. The Approved Training Organisation held a certificate originally issued on 13 November 2012, valid until 31 December 2022. No safety actions or recommendations were made.
Probable Cause
The aircraft was unstable on approach, which led to a bounce and a hard landing; as a result, the nose gear bent backward.