What happened
On the morning of 28 November 2024, a student pilot was conducting circuit training at George Dick Montshioa Airport (FAMM) in the North West Province. The flight, operating under Part 141 regulations, began with an instructor present to supervise several touch-and-go exercises and simulated engine failure drills. Following these maneuvers, the instructor deemed the student fit to proceed with a solo consolidation flight and moved to the control tower to observe.
While performing a solo circuit in the Piper PA-28-180, registration ZS-CJG, the student pilot executed a landing on Runway 22. The approach and touchdown were initially stable. However, as the pilot began reconfiguring the aircraft for a subsequent touch-and-go by retracting the flaps to the first stage, the aircraft began veering toward the left side of the runway. Despite attempts to correct the deviation with right rudder, the aircraft continued its path off the runway. During the excursion, the nosewheel broke off and the propeller struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records and the physical evidence at the scene. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent annual inspection completed approximately 28 hours prior to the accident.
Analysis of the runway surface revealed tire markings indicating heavy braking. Specifically, the left tire left a more prominent mark than the right, suggesting that the pilot had applied the left brake during the landing roll. The investigation also noted that the aircraft had landed to the right of the runway centerline.
Findings
- The student pilot inadvertently depressed the left brake during the landing roll, which caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.
- The pilot's attention was divided by the process of reconfiguring the cockpit for takeoff, which contributed to the loss of directional control.