Occurrence
On 23 January 2024 at 1246Z, a Sling 2 aircraft (registration ZU-FWN) operated under Part 94 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations experienced a hard landing at Rhino Park Airfield, Gauteng province. The pilot, a 23-year-old female holding a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) with 77.6 total flight hours (76.7 on type), and a passenger were conducting an hour-building exercise.
Flight Sequence
The flight departed from Rhino Park Airfield at 1051Z. The crew performed eight touch-and-go landings before proceeding to Pretoria General Flying Area 2, where they practiced forced landings and steep turns for approximately 1.9 hours. Upon return to the airfield, the pilot joined overhead and noted a favourable headwind for Runway 09.
Hard Landing and Bounce
During the landing flare, the pilot felt the aircraft’s nose pulling downward, resulting in a hard landing on the nose wheel followed by a bounce. The pilot reported pressure on the left rudder pedal after the second touchdown, but the passenger denied accidental pedal input. The nose gear tyre subsequently burst, and the propeller struck the runway. Directional control was lost, and the aircraft veered left off the runway, coming to rest on grass.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage: the nose gear bent backward, trapping the pedals; the engine cradle was bent and broken; the nose gear tyre burst; and the propeller was severely damaged. Both occupants disembarked unharmed.
Weather Conditions
At the time, wind was from 080° at 10 knots, visibility 10 km, temperature 25°C, dew point 5°C, and scattered clouds at 3500 ft. QNH was 1016 hPa.
Findings
The accident investigation (reference CA18/2/3/10412) noted the pilot held a valid PPL and medical certificate. The aircraft’s annual inspection was current, and the Authority to Fly was valid. The airspeed was fast on approach, leading to the hard landing and bounce, followed by tyre burst and propeller strike. The pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to exit the runway.
Probable Cause
According to the report, the probable cause was the aircraft’s high airspeed on approach, which led to a hard landing and bounce; subsequently, the nose gear tyre burst and the propeller struck the runway. The pilot lost directional control, resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway.