Occurrence
On 10 March 2023 at 1010Z, a student pilot (SP) on board a Piper PA28-140, registration ZS-FOH, was conducting a training flight from Lanseria International Airport (FALA) in Gauteng province. The flight was operated under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations and visual meteorological conditions by day.
Sequence of Events
Runway 07 was in use at FALA. The SP taxied to the holding point and received take-off clearance from air traffic control. After aligning on the runway, she applied power for take-off. When the aircraft reached approximately 65 miles per hour, the SP pulled back on the yoke and the aircraft lifted off. The aircraft then stopped climbing and lost lift, impacting the runway hard with the nose wheel first, which separated. The aircraft veered right and came to a stop at the edge of the runway.
Injuries and Damage
The SP was not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the undercarriage, propeller, and right wing.
Findings
The SP held a valid Student Pilot Licence issued 24 November 2022, and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, Certificate of Registration, and a Certificate of Release to Service. The last maintenance was at 9448.81 airframe hours with no reported defects. The approved training organisation held a valid certificate. The flight was authorised in the flight authorisation sheet.
The aircraft rotated at 65 mph; the PA28-140 Owner's Manual recommends best take-off speed of 60 mph. The SP had undergone a 1.4-hour assessment 28 days post-accident by a designated flight examiner, who noted excessive back pressure during rotation in two of five circuits, uncordinated turns, and poor seating posture.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factor
The probable cause was the aircraft stalling during rotation, resulting in impact with the runway. A contributing factor was the application of excessive back pressure during rotation.
Safety Actions
The training organisation arranged remedial training for the SP, re-emphasised seating position checks, conducted check flights of other students, employed an external instructor for assessments, and introduced a grading system to identify student shortcomings early.