Aircraft and Flight Details
The accident involved a Piper Cherokee PA-28-140, registration ZS-IEI, serial number 28-26628, operated under Part 141 training. The aircraft had accumulated 11,527.83 total airframe hours at the time of the accident. The pilot held a Student Pilot Licence, with 30.7 total flying hours, all on the accident aircraft type. The flight was a solo training exercise conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) by day.
Sequence of Events
On 20 October 2022, at approximately 1100Z, the student pilot departed from Runway 05 at Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) for the general flying area (GFA). After completing training exercises, the pilot returned to FAVG at about 1150Z for a full stop landing. During the approach to Runway 05, the pilot noted the aircraft was unstable due to a high-speed approach but decided to continue. At touchdown, the aircraft bounced, causing the propeller blades to strike the runway. The aircraft drifted left, and the pilot applied right rudder to correct; however, the aircraft rolled right, and the right wing scraped the ground. The aircraft veered left off the runway, the nose landing gear failed, and it came to a stop on the left side of Runway 05. The pilot exited unaided; no injuries occurred.
Weather Conditions
The METAR at the time (FAVG 201200Z AUTO) reported wind from 040° at 7 knots gusting to 17 knots, visibility 10 km or more, temperature 28°C, dew point 19°C, and QNH 1014 hPa. The gusty wind was considered a contributing factor.
Findings
- The student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence issued 19 January 2022, with a Class 2 medical certificate (corrective lenses required).
- The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Release to Service; the most recent maintenance was performed on 4 July 2022.
- The approved training organization (ATO) and its training operation were valid.
- The aircraft's approach and landing speed exceeded the recommended technique from the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), which specifies an approach speed of 85 mph with flaps up and a touchdown near stall speed (55-65 mph). The pilot reported a landing speed of 85 mph.
- The gusty weather conditions were considered a contributory factor.
- The aircraft bounced after touchdown, leading to the propeller strike, wing scrape, and nose gear failure.
Probable Cause
The aircraft was unstable on approach which led to a hard landing and a bounce. As a result, the pilot lost control of the aircraft which veered off to the left-side of the runway. The nose gear failed before the aircraft came to a stop.
Contributing Factor(s)
The gusty weather conditions that prevailed at the time of landing contributed to the bounced landing.
Safety Action(s)
None.