Student Pilot Loss of Control During Training Flight at Pietermaritzburg

Casualties unknown • Runway 16 at Pietermaritzburg Aerodrome, ZA

A student pilot experienced a series of bounces and a loss of directional control during a solo training flight in a Sling 2, resulting in substantial aircraft damage.

What happened

On 15 September 2023, a solo training flight involving a Sling 2 aircraft, registration ZU-JAR, resulted in an accident at Pietermaritzburg Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot under Part 141 regulations for the purpose of practicing touch-and-go landings on Runway 16.

During the base leg of the approach, air traffic control instructed the pilot to report long final due to runway backtracking. In an attempt to manage the descent rate, the pilot reduced engine power to 4000 rpm rather than the intended 3500 rpm. This adjustment left the aircraft with excessive airspeed on the final approach. The resulting touchdown was hard, triggering three consecutive bounces on the runway. During this sequence, the aircraft's sun visor dropped, obstructing the pilot's vision. As the aircraft struggled to stabilize, it veered right of the centerline. In an attempt to correct the path, the pilot applied heavy left rudder, which led to a loss of directional control and caused the aircraft to veer left off the runway onto the grass. The pilot, who was uninjured, shut down the master switch and waited for emergency services. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including impacts to the propeller blades, cowling, nose gear, engine mount, and firewall.

The investigation

SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters, the pilot's credentials, and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation confirmed the pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft, ZU-JAR, had undergone a 100-hour inspection shortly before the event and possessed a valid Authority to Fly. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions with clear visibility and light winds, confirming that weather was not a contributing factor to the incident.

Findings

  • The aircraft approached the runway with excessive airspeed.
  • The pilot initiated a flare that was too high, leading to a hard landing and subsequent bounces.
  • The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite the unstable approach conditions.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an unstable approach and an improperly timed flare, which led to a hard landing and multiple bounces, ultimately resulting in the loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-09-15 Sling 2 accident near Runway 16 at Pietermaritzburg Aerodrome, ZA?

A student pilot experienced a series of bounces and a loss of directional control during a solo training flight in a Sling 2, resulting in substantial aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-09-15 involved a Sling 2, registration ZU-JAR, at Runway 16 at Pietermaritzburg Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an unstable approach and an improperly timed flare, which led to a hard landing and multiple bounces, ultimately resulting in the loss of directional control.

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