What happened
On 20 October 2022, a training flight conducted under Part 1-41 regulations ended in an accident at Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) in KwaZulu-Natal. A student pilot, operating a Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 with registration ZS-IEI, departed the aerodrome for solo training exercises in the general flying area. After successfully completing the maneuvers, the pilot returned to the aerodrome for a landing on Runway 05.
During the final approach, the pilot noted that the aircraft was unstable due to an excessive approach speed. Despite this, the pilot proceeded with the landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, causing the propeller blades to strike the runway surface. As the aircraft continued along the runway, it drifted left of the centerline. In an attempt to correct the direction using right rudder, the aircraft rolled to the right, causing the right wingtip to scrape the ground. The aircraft then veered toward the left side of the runway, where the nose landing gear collapsed before the aircraft came to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, nose gear, and right wing.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and pilot credentials. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and the aircraft possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had been recently serviced and was within its service intervals. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions, noting that the wind at the time of the accident was 7 knots with gusts up to 17 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unstable approach and high landing speed, which triggered a bounce upon touchdown.
- The pilot's attempt to regain control of the aircraft led to a roll and subsequent excursion from the runway.
- Gusty wind conditions at the time of the landing acted as a contributing factor to the instability of the aircraft.