What happened
On 6 May 2024, a Sling 2 LSA, registration ZU-WES, was conducting a private flight from Pietermaritzburg Airport (FAP/PM) in KwaZulu-Natal. The flight, operated under Part 94 regulations, was an hour-building mission intended to return to the departure aerodrome. The weather conditions were clear with visual meteorological visibility.
Upon returning to the airport for landing on Runway 16, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 70 knots. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck the ground with the nose wheel before the main wheels made contact. This impact caused the propeller to strike the ground and resulted in the separation of the right main wheel fairing. The aircraft subsequently veered to the right and came to a rest on a grass area. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the airworthiness of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the last annual inspection had been completed approximately 44 flight hours prior to the event, and the aircraft was within its valid period for release to service.
Investigators determined that neither the runway conditions nor the prevailing weather—which featured light winds and high visibility—contributed to the accident. The aircraft sustained minor damage during the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unstable approach, which led to the aircraft landing nose-first.
- Poor landing technique contributed to the hard touchdown and subsequent ground contact by the propeller.
- The aircraft's right main wheel fairing separated due to the force of the impact.