What happened
On the afternoon of 16 October 2024, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Cessna 172M Skyhawk, registration ZS-SUJ, departing from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng. The flight, performed under visual meteorological conditions, proceeded without incident until the return to the aerodrome.
While on final approach for Runway 06 with flaps set to 30 degrees, the pilot noted a high sink rate. In an attempt to manage the approach, the pilot closed the throttle as the aircraft passed the runway threshold. During the flare, the aircraft ballooned. An attempt to correct the situation with added power resulted in a hard touchdown and multiple bounces on the runway. The impact caused the nose gear strut to fail and the propeller to strike the runway surface. The aircraft then skidded approximately 380 metres along the runway before coming to a stop. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the aircraft's technical status. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly certified, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent maintenance inspection. The pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate, and was authorized to conduct the flight. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions with clear visibility and light winds, meaning weather was not a contributing factor.
Findings
- The aircraft approached the runway at an excessive speed of approximately 80 knots, which exceeded the recommended 65-75 mph range for the given flap configuration.
- The pilot's decision to reduce power during the approach likely caused a significant loss of forward speed and a drop in altitude.
- The primary cause of the accident was the improper approach speed and power management, leading to a hard landing and subsequent bounces.
- The pilot's lack of experience was identified as a contributing factor to the sequence of events.