Summary
On 29 June 2023, at approximately 1257Z, a student pilot (SP) was conducting a training flight in a Piper PA-22-108 Colt aircraft (registration ZS-OKV) under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight departed from and was intended to return to Brakpan Airfield (FABB), Gauteng Province, South Africa. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but no injuries were reported.
The Flight
The SP reported performing a pre-flight inspection with no anomalies found. The aircraft took off from Runway 18, routed to Ergo Slimes Dam, and then returned to Brakpan Airfield. While on final approach for Runway 36 at approximately 80 knots, the SP noticed the glide path was high. The SP reduced power and attempted to correct the glide angle.
Landing and Aftermath
During touchdown, the aircraft landed deep and bounced. When the wheels touched down again, directional control was lost, and the aircraft veered off to the right side of the runway, coming to a stop on the grass. During the sequence, the nose landing gear strut collapsed, and the right wing and propeller blades contacted the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Witness Statement
The chief flying instructor (CFI), who was at the holding point of Runway 36 conducting run-ups, heard ZS-OKV join overhead the airfield. He observed the aircraft on final approach, noting it was a bit high but the height appeared recoverable. The CFI heard the SP make a radio call "going around"; however, the aircraft did not immediately climb. Shortly after, the SP radioed "landing" and then the CFI saw the aircraft dive toward the runway, impacting with the nose wheel, which subsequently collapsed.
Weather
The official weather report from the nearest station, O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR), at 1300Z on 29 June 2023 recorded: wind 280° at 10 knots, visibility 9999, temperature 14°C, CAVOK, QNH 1026 hPa.
Pilot Information
The SP held a Student Pilot Licence issued on 7 October 2020, valid Class 2 aviation medical certificate, and had accumulated 61.7 total flying hours, with 31.7 hours on type. The SP was training during leave from contract work abroad and had worked a night shift the night before the accident.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA-22-108 (serial number 22-9419) was issued a Certificate of Airworthiness on 6 August 1999 (expiry 31 August 2023) and a Certificate of Registration on 14 April 2023. The last maintenance inspection was on 30 May 2023 at 5159.21 tachometer hours, with no reported defects prior to the flight.
Findings
- The aircraft approached at approximately 80 knots, while the Owner’s Manual recommends 60 knots for approach.
- The SP possibly experienced fatigue from a night shift, which could have impacted decision-making.
- The SP may have been under pressure to complete training before returning abroad.
- The go-around decision was changed back to landing, resulting in an unstable approach.
Probable Cause
The aircraft had an unstable approach and it bounced and landed with the nose wheel which subsequently collapsed. The contributing factor was changing decisions from landing to go-around, and back to landing.
Safety Actions
Following the accident, the school grounded the SP from flying with the intention to provide further instruction on unusual situations and aeronautical decision-making, and advised him to continue training upon his return from abroad to avoid rushing.