What happened
On 15 August 2024, a student pilot was conducting a training flight in a Sling 2, registration ZU-FVU, departing from Lanseria International Airport. The flight was intended for hour-building purposes within the Magaliesburg general flying area. While the initial leg of the flight was routine, the return to Lanseria was complicated by heavy traffic in the area, which required the pilot to orbit before being cleared for Runway 25.
During the landing sequence, the pilot approached at approximately 75 knots with flaps set to 40 degrees. The aircraft initially touched down on its main wheels but subsequently bounced. Upon the second contact with the runway, the aircraft struck the surface nose-first. This impact caused the nose gear strut to collapse and resulted in the propeller blades hitting the runway. The aircraft sustained minor damage, and the pilot was able to exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the operational conditions at the time. The investigation confirmed that the weather was favorable, with clear visibility and no significant wind or turbulence that could have contributed to the instability. The aircraft's maintenance records were also reviewed, showing that the Sling 2 had undergone its annual inspection recently and was within its service limits, with no defects noted in the flight logs.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unstable approach, which led to the aircraft bouncing and subsequently landing on the nose gear.
- A contributing factor to the incident was the pilot's lack of experience.
- Environmental factors, including wind and runway conditions, were not contributors to the event.