What happened
On 4 October 2022, a flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a training flight in a Piper 28R-2-00 Cherokee Arrow, registration ZS-FYY. The flight originated from Cape Winelands Aerodrome (FAWN) in the Western Cape for the purpose of an instrument flight rules (IFR) check flight. Following the successful completion of the check flight, the crew proceeded to a general flying area to practice stalls and simulated forced landings.
Upon returning to the aerodrome to perform circuit exercises, including short field landings, the crew initiated a go-around following an unstable approach. During the subsequent climb, the student pilot assumed control of the aircraft. While the student performed the post-take-off checks correctly, they failed to set the necessary circuit engine power. As the flight progressed through the downwind leg, the student neglected to extend the flaps and the landing gear. The instructor, focused on monitoring traffic and the student's performance, did not verify that the downwind checklists were completed. Consequently, the aircraft arrived on final approach with the gear retracted, leading to a landing on the aircraft's underbelly. The impact caused substantial damage to the propeller and the underbelly of the aircraft, though there were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight records, maintenance history, and crew credentials. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was maintained according to schedule, with its last mandatory periodic inspection completed approximately six weeks prior to the accident. The flight was conducted under Part 141 training regulations. The investigation focused on the sequence of cockpit actions during the transition from the climb phase to the landing phase, specifically regarding the execution of the Pilot Operating Handbook checklists.