What happened
On 2 July 2024, a flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting type conversion training in a Bellanca Citabria 7KCAB, registration ZS-FKL. The flight departed from Rand Airport (FAGM) with the intention of performing landing practice at Klipriver Airfield in Meyerton, Gauteng Province.
After completing two successful circuits, the crew attempted a wheeler landing on the third circuit. During this maneuver, the aircraft bounced upon touchdown and the propeller struck the ground. The instructor took control of the aircraft and attempted to return to Rand Airport. However, during the subsequent climb, the aircraft experienced intense vibrations due to the damaged propeller and could not maintain altitude. As the aircraft lost airspeed, the crew was forced to perform an emergency landing in an open field north of Runway 02. While attempting to avoid anthills in the field, the aircraft landed on its right wing, causing the landing gear to detach and the aircraft to skid on its belly. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the flight, including the pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, and weather conditions. The investigation confirmed that the flight instructor held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence and medical certificate, and the student pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence. The aircraft, ZS-FKL, had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was within its mandatory periodic inspection interval. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as good, with visual meteorological conditions prevailing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unsuccessful forced landing following a loss of thrust caused by severe vibrations from the damaged propeller blades.
- An improper landing technique during the third circuit led to the initial propeller strike.
- The aircraft's landing gear detached upon impact with the ground during the forced landing maneuver.