What happened
On the morning of 6 August 2024, a solo training flight involving a Cessna 150, registration ZS-PUW, resulted in an aircraft accident at Cape Winelands Aerodrome (FAWN) in the Western Cape. The flight was being conducted under Part 1-41 regulations for training purposes in clear visual meteorological conditions.
The student pilot had initially completed several successful touch-and-go maneuvers accompanied by an instructor. Following the instructor's disembarkation, the student proceeded with a solo consolidation flight. After performing standard takeoff and climb-out procedures, the pilot transitioned to the landing phase. During the final approach, the aircraft was positioned slightly left of the runway centerline. While attempting to correct the alignment with right rudder, the aircraft touched down at approximately 60 knots and subsequently bounced.
Following the bounce, the aircraft struck the runway surface with significant force on the nose gear. This impact caused the nose gear to break away from the airframe, leading the propeller to strike the runway. The pilot did not attempt a go-around during the sequence. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate. The Cessna 150 was found to be in a well-maintained state, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent annual inspection completed in June 2024. No mechanical defects were recorded in the maintenance logs prior to the flight. The investigation also noted that weather conditions were favorable and were not a contributing factor to the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a delayed flare during the landing phase, which led to a hard touchdown and a subsequent bounce.
- The impact of the bounce caused the structural failure of the nose landing gear and the separation of the wheel.
- The impact of the propeller against the runway surface was a direct consequence of the nose gear collapse.