What happened
On 23 August 2022, a training flight involving a Sling 2 aircraft, registration ZU-FUS, resulted in an accident at Port Elizabeth International Airport. The flight was part of a Part 141 training program. Following an initial dual instruction session with a flight instructor, the student pilot proceeded to conduct solo circuit training.
After successfully completing two solo circuits, the student pilot attempted a third approach to Runway 08. During this approach, the aircraft was traveling at 70 knots. The student pilot applied excessive back pressure on the control column, causing the aircraft to touch down approximately 837 metres from the runway threshold at a reduced speed of 50 knots. This resulted in the aircraft bouncing and subsequently striking the ground with a hard landing on the nose gear. The impact caused the nose gear to bend backward and the propeller to strike the ground. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the aircraft's maintenance status. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Release to Service and a recent mandatory periodic inspection completed only nine hours prior to the event. Weather conditions at the time were clear with visual meteorological conditions, though a slight 7-knot crosswind was present.
Findings
- The aircraft was unstable on approach, which triggered the bounce and the subsequent hard landing.
- The student pilot's lack of experience contributed to the improper control inputs during the final approach.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically to the nose gear and propeller.