What happened
On the morning of 20 March 2024, a student pilot was conducting her first solo flight in a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration ZS-MLF, departing from Lanseria International Airport (FALA). The flight was part of a training program under Part 141 regulations. After taking off from Runway 07, the pilot performed a circuit and was cleared by air traffic control for a touch-and-go landing exercise.
While the aircraft appeared stable during the final approach, the situation changed immediately after touchdown. During the landing roll, the aircraft veered to the right, exiting the runway and moving onto the grass. The impact caused the nose gear strut to fail and the propeller to strike the ground. Although the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot was able to exit the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight parameters and the training environment. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent Certificate of Release to Service. The pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate.
Data retrieved from the pilot's questionnaire revealed that the aircraft approached and landed at a speed between 85 and 90 MPH. This was significantly higher than the recommended landing speed of approximately 66 MPH. Additionally, the investigation looked into the training oversight regarding the student's progression toward solo flight.