What happened
On 26 March 2024, a student pilot was conducting solo training maneuvers at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng. The flight, part of a Part 1-41 training program, began following several successful circuits performed with an instructor on board. After the instructor disembarked, the student pilot took off alone for a solo session.
During the final approach phase, the pilot was operating the Cessna 172L, registration ZS-IOI, at an indicated airspeed of 80 mph. While attempting to land on Runway 35, the pilot flared the aircraft too high, subsequently pitching the nose down. This maneuver caused the aircraft to strike the runway on its nose gear first. The impact triggered a series of three bounces on the runway surface. Following the landing, air traffic control notified the pilot that the nose wheel had deflated. The pilot successfully taxied to the apron and waited for emergency services, who subsequently towed the aircraft to a hangar.
There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose gear and the firewall.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and aircraft maintenance records. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were clear and favorable, with no contributing impact from environmental factors. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that a mandatory periodic inspection had been completed recently, and the airworthiness certificates for both the aircraft and the pilot were valid at the time of the occurrence.
Findings
- The pilot's approach speed of 80 mph was significantly higher than the recommended 55 to 65 knots prescribed in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook for a landing configuration with flaps extended.
- The pilot flared the aircraft too high, which led to an excessive sink rate and an improper touchdown attitude.
- The primary cause of the incident was an incorrect aircraft configuration for landing, which, combined with the improper flare, resulted in a hard nose-first impact and subsequent bouncing.