What happened
On 31 August 2022, a student pilot operating a Sling 2 aircraft, registration ZU-FTF, was conducting a planned solo navigation training flight. The flight originated from Morning Star Aerodrome, intended to transit via Saldanha Aerodrome before returning to the departure point. While en route, the pilot became disoriented regarding her position. To resolve the uncertainty, the pilot climbed from 350 and 4000 feet above ground level and requested assistance from the Cape Town Flight Information Service West (FACT FIS).
Following guidance from air traffic services, the pilot was redirected to Cape Town International Airport for a landing on Runway 19. During the approach, the aircraft was high and the pilot performed an excessive flare. This resulted in a hard touchdown and a subsequent bounce. Upon the second contact with the runway, the nose gear struck the surface with significant force, causing the strut to bend backward. The impact also caused the propeller blades to strike the runway and break off. The aircraft skidded along the runway before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and the aircraft's configuration during the landing sequence. The investigation established that the aircraft was approaching at an indicated airspeed of 65 knots with flaps set to stage 2 (20%). According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Sling 2, full flaps should be selected for a normal landing on final approach. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a valid Student Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft's maintenance records showed the last annual inspection had been completed recently, and the airframe was within its service limits.
Findings
- The pilot's approach was unstable, characterized by being high on the approach and executing an excessive flare.
- The hard touchdown and subsequent bounce were the primary causes of the mechanical failure.
- The nose gear strut bent backward and the propeller blades were destroyed due to the impact with the runway surface.
- The pilot's limited flight experience acted as a contributing factor to the unstable approach and landing technique.