What happened
On 10 March 2023, a training flight conducted under Part 1ob provisions resulted in an accident at Lanseria International Airport (FALA). A student pilot was operating a Piper PA28-140, registration ZS-FOH, on a routine flight from the airport to the general flying area, intending to return to the same aerodrome.
After receiving takeoff clearance from air traffic control, the pilot lined up on Runway 07 and initiated the takeoff roll. Upon reaching a speed of approximately 65 mph, the pilot pulled back on the control yoke. The aircraft failed to climb as expected and subsequently lost lift, impacting the runway with significant force. The impact caused the nose wheel to separate from the airframe, and the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, undercarriage, and right-side wing.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance records and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and medical certificate. The Piper PA28-140 was also found to be airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent maintenance inspection completed in February 2023.
Investigators reviewed the aircraft's operating manual, which notes that the optimal takeoff speed is approximately 60 mph. The investigation also looked into the pilot's training progress. A subsequent assessment by a flight examiner revealed that the pilot had demonstrated difficulties with coordinated turns, maintaining the correct circuit pattern, and managing a high-nose attitude during simulated emergencies. Additionally, the examiner noted that the pilot's seating posture was not ideal.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a stall during the rotation phase of takeoff.
- The primary contributing factor was the application of excessive back pressure on the control column during rotation.
- The aircraft's rotation speed of 65 mph was slightly above the manufacturer's recommended 60 mph for normal conditions.