Summary
On 27 August 2025, a Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 aircraft, registration ZS-EKI, operated by an approved training organization under Part 141, was conducting a solo navigational training flight. The student pilot (SP) departed Brakpan Airfield (FABB) with a planned route to Secunda Airfield (FASC) and Witbank Aerodrome (FAWI). While performing a touch-and-go landing on Runway 11 at FASC, the aircraft touched down long due to a tailwind, and the subsequent takeoff attempt resulted in a collision with the perimeter fence and a hard ground impact. The SP sustained serious head injuries; the aircraft was substantially damaged.
Details of the Occurrence
The SP, holding a valid Student Pilot Licence (SPL) and Class 2 medical certificate, had 56.2 total flight hours, with 14.1 on type. She was authorized by her flight instructor for the solo cross-country flight after satisfactory dual performance. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day.
Upon arrival overhead FASC, the SP joined the right circuit for a touch-and-go landing on Runway 11, which is 1100 metres long. An eyewitness reported variable surface winds of 7 to 8 knots. The aircraft appeared stable on final approach. The SP stated that shortly after crossing the runway threshold at 80 mph with flaps set at two notches, the wind shifted to a tailwind, causing the aircraft to float. It touched down approximately two-thirds along the runway. The SP applied engine power to execute a touch-and-go.
The eyewitness heard a high-pitched engine sound consistent with high power. The aircraft rotated but failed to establish a positive rate of climb. It impacted the eastern perimeter fence, then struck the ground hard, detaching the landing gear. The aircraft slid on its belly over a lane of PDP Kruger Street and came to rest in an open area between two lanes.
Findings
- The SP was licensed, qualified, and medically fit for the flight. She was signed off for solo cross-country flight at 56.2 hours.
- The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, was serviceable with no defects, and was operated within regulatory requirements.
- Good weather conditions prevailed, but a tailwind existed on Runway 11 at the time of the landing.
- The tailwind caused the aircraft to float, leading to a touchdown approximately two-thirds down the runway, reducing available runway length.
- After the late touchdown, the SP attempted a touch-and-go with flaps at two notches and full power. With limited runway and a tailwind, the aircraft had difficulty climbing.
- The aircraft impacted the perimeter fence and then the ground beyond the airfield boundary.
Probable Cause
The student pilot landed the aircraft on Runway 11 with a tailwind and, thereafter, attempted to take-off. However, as the aircraft landed deep, there was insufficient runway remaining; the aircraft failed to achieve a positive rate of climb, and it impacted the airfield’s barrier fence.