What happened
On the morning of 6 November 2023, a training flight involving a student pilot and an instructor was underway at Port Elizabeth International Airport (FAPE) in the Eastern Cape. The flight, conducted under Part 1-41 regulations, initially proceeded without incident. The instructor and student completed four successful touch-and-go landings on Runway 26. Following these exercises, the instructor landed the Sling II, registration ZU-IAE, and disembarked, leaving the student pilot to continue solo training.
After completing three more uneventful touch-and-go maneuvers, the student attempted a fourth circuit. During the landing approach on Runway 26, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 78 knots. The instructor, observing from the ground, noted the aircraft bounce upon contact with the runway. The impact caused the nose gear strut to bend backward and the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft then slid along the runway on its engine cowling before coming to a halt. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the student pilot escaped with 0 injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the operational status of the aircraft and crew. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft, ZU-IAE, had undergone its annual inspection recently and was in a valid state for flight. Meteorological data from the South African Weather Service indicated that weather conditions were clear with good visibility and did not play a role in the accident.
Findings
- The student pilot's approach speed of 78 knots was significantly higher than the 65 knots recommended for normal landings in the Sling Pilot's Operating Handbook.
- The primary cause of the accident was the student pilot losing control of the aircraft due to the excessive approach speed.
- The student pilot's lack of experience acted as a contributing factor to the loss of control during the landing phase.