What happened
On the morning of 22 June 2024, a training flight involving a student pilot and a flight instructor was underway at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng. The flight, conducted under Part 141 regulations, utilized a Piper PA-28-180 with registration ZS-CZU. The weather conditions were clear with visual meteorological visibility.
Following a pre-flight briefing, the student pilot performed several circuit-and-landing exercises under the supervision of the instructor. After completing four successful circuits, the instructor disembarked to allow the student pilot to attempt her initial solo flight. While the student pilot successfully completed the first circuit and landed on Runway 2ually 29, an incident occurred during the landing roll. The student pilot attempted to vacate the active runway onto Taxiway C by executing a right turn too early. Because the aircraft was still traveling at a high speed, the sudden maneuver caused the plane to bank sharply to the right. This motion led to the right wing tip and the propeller striking the ground, causing minor damage to the aircraft. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the ground excursion and verified the following:
- The student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate.
- The aircraft, ZS-CZU, was properly maintained with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent 100-hour inspection.
- The training school operated under a valid Approved Training Organisation certificate.
- No mechanical defects were noted in the aircraft's flight records prior to the occurrence.