Incident
On the morning of 28 November 2024 at 0405Z, a student pilot flying a Piper PA-28-180 (registration ZS-CJG) was conducting solo circuit training at George Dick Montshioa Airport (FAMM) in North West Province, South Africa. The flight was operated under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, in visual meteorological conditions. Earlier, the student had completed three touch-and-go exercises and two simulated engine failure landings with an instructor on board. The instructor assessed the student’s performance as satisfactory and cleared him for a solo consolidation flight.
During the solo circuit, the student reported that his approach and landing on Runway 22 were stable. After touchdown, he configured the aircraft for a touch-and-go. While retracting the flaps to the first stage, the aircraft began to veer left. He applied right rudder, but the deviation continued. He then cut the mixture, and the aircraft exited the runway. During the excursion, the nosewheel broke off and the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot reported no injuries.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence (issued 10 May 2024, expiring 9 May 2025) and a Class 2 medical certificate (issued 2 May 2024, valid to 31 May 2029). His total flying experience was 30 hours, with 25.7 hours on type.
The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-180 (serial number 28-2761), had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (valid until 30 April 2025) and Certificate of Registration. The last annual inspection was completed on 20 August 2024 at 8449.4 airframe hours; the accident occurred at 8478.2 hours. The aircraft was airworthy at dispatch.
Tyre marks on the runway indicated that the aircraft touched down right of the centreline. The left main wheel left a more prominent braking mark than the right, suggesting the student inadvertently applied the left brake while preparing for the touch-and-go. The aircraft subsequently veered left.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident is the student pilot inadvertently depressing the left brake during the landing roll, which led to the aircraft veering off the runway. A contributing factor was the student being occupied with reconfiguring the aircraft for take-off, causing a loss of directional control.