What happened
On the morning of 6 October 2024, a flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a Part 141 training flight from Rand Airport to Baragwanath Airfield in Gauteng Province. The mission was intended to evaluate the student's ability to navigate the general flying area and perform precautionary landings.
During the approach to Runway 13, the student pilot flared the Cessna C1-72P too high, causing the aircraft to bounce upon contact with the runway. In response to the bounce, the instructor took control and applied full power to execute a go-around. However, a breakdown in communication occurred during the transition of control. While the instructor attempted to stabilize the aircraft, the student pilot instinctively pulled back on the controls, causing the left wing to stall. Despite the instructor's efforts to apply corrective rudder and forward pressure to recover from the incipient spin, the aircraft drifted left and impacted the unprepared ground of the airfield. The aircraft, registration ZS-OBD, sustained substantial damage, though there were 0 fatalities and no injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight circumstances, the pilot's credentials, and the maintenance history of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the instructor held a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence and the student held a valid Student Pilot Licence. The aircraft was found to be properly maintained, with a recent annual inspection completed just days before the accident, and was considered airworthy at the time of the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the aircraft flared too high, resulting in a bounce during touchdown.
- The subsequent go-around attempt failed due to crew miscommunication regarding the handover of flight controls.
- The student pilot's instinctive reaction to the instructor's takeover led to a wing stall and a left-hand bank.