Factual Information
On 2 July 2014 at 1050Z, a Sling 2 aeroplane, registration ZU-IAE, operated by Madiba Bay School of Flight CC, was involved in an incident at Port Elizabeth Aerodrome (FAPE). The aircraft, manufactured by The Airplane Factory (PTY) LTD, was conducting a Part 141 training flight. The student pilot, aged 24, held a valid licence with 34.6 total flying hours, all on type.
History of Flight
The student pilot was engaged on a solo flight. The flight from the aerodrome to the general flying area was uneventful. During the approach for a landing on Runway 08, the aircraft was reported to be too slow in speed in strong crosswinds. On touch-down, the aircraft bounced and the student lost control. During an attempt to recover, the aircraft landed on its nose and the nose wheel collapsed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, undercarriage skins, and nose gear. The student pilot sustained no injuries.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft was properly maintained with no defect reported before or after the incident. It had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of registration. The student pilot was properly licensed and rated to perform the flight. The weather at the time was CAVOK, with wind direction 340° at 25 knots and temperature 17°C. The student pilot reported losing control due to the 25-knot wind component.
The investigation determined that the student pilot’s approach speed was low, resulting in the aircraft bouncing from a height. The pilot could not control the effect of the crosswind component, causing loss of control, during which the aircraft landed nose wheel first, which collapsed.
Conclusion
The probable cause was loss of control during landing and poor landing technique in strong crosswinds.