What happened
On the afternoon of 31 August 2024, a student pilot was conducting a training flight in a Cessna 172L, registration ZS-IOI. The flight originated from Grand Central Airport (FAGC) in Gauteng, traveling to the Brits Aerodrome general flying area with the intention of returning to the departure point. The flight was being conducted under Part 1 and Part 141 regulations in visual meteorological conditions.
While returning to Grand Central Airport, the pilot prepared for a full-stop landing on Runway 35. During the approach, the pilot maintained a flap setting of 10 degrees rather than full flaps. During the initial landing attempt, the aircraft ballooned due to an early flare. On a subsequent attempt, the aircraft descended rapidly. In an effort to prevent a nose-wheel-first impact, the pilot applied maximum power and pulled back on the control column. This caused the aircraft to climb to approximately 30 feet before the left wing stalled and struck the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to roll to the right, eventually coming to rest on the runway shoulder with the nose down and tail high. There were no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the pilot's experience. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot had recently obtained their license and had accumulated only 29.1 total flying hours, with only 3.3 hours of solo experience. The aircraft, ZS-IOI, was found to be airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent 50-hour inspection completed only a week prior to the accident.
Findings
- The pilot failed to properly configure the aircraft for the prevailing conditions, specifically by not utilizing full flaps for the crosswind landing.
- The aircraft's maximum allowable crosswind component is 13 knots, while the actual wind on the day was measured at 13.8 knots.
- The student pilot lacked sufficient experience to manage the crosswind component effectively.
- The pilot's early flare and subsequent improper recovery attempt led to a wing stall.
- The pilot delayed initiating a go-around following the first unsuccessful landing attempt.
Safety action
Following the incident, the approved training organization implemented an eight-hour remedial training program for the student pilot. This program focused on improving flaring techniques, managing ballooning and bouncing, and practicing crosswind landings. Additionally, a safety message was issued advising flight instructors to ensure thorough briefings are conducted during adverse weather to ensure student pilots are safe for solo operations.