History of Flight
On 7 July 2016, a Piper PA-34-200 aircraft (registration ZS-ISD) operated by 43 Air School departed Port Alfred Airport (FAPA) at approximately 1330Z on a training flight to East London Airport (FAEL). The flight was conducted under Part 141 and carried three occupants: one instructor and two student pilots. The intention was to perform circuits at FAEL.
During the final approach for Runway 11, the gear-down selection was made. The three green lights indicated the landing gear was down and locked. However, upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed unexpectedly. The nose section impacted the runway, and the aircraft skidded a short distance before coming to a stop.
Air traffic control at FAEL reported that the aircraft was handed over from approach at 1412Z for an ILS approach. At 1415Z, the pilot received a wind check. At 1417Z, the aircraft touched down and was observed veering erratically due to the nose gear collapse. The crash alarm was activated, and aerodrome rescue and fire fighting services (ARFF) were dispatched. ARFF confirmed that all occupants evacuated safely and sustained no injuries.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the instructor held a valid commercial pilot licence with a type rating, a valid Class 1 medical certificate without restrictions, and was considered medically fit and competent for the operation. The two student pilots were on a training flight. No anomalies with the instructor's performance were identified.
The aircraft had a valid Standard Certificate of Airworthiness and was authorized for use under CAR Part 135. Pre-flight inspection found the aircraft serviceable with sufficient fuel and weight within limits. No pre-existing defects were noted.
After the incident, an appropriately authorized AMO inspected the aircraft to determine the cause of the nose gear collapse. The AMO found evidence that the aircraft may have experienced an unreported hard landing on a previous training flight, which damaged some undercarriage components and/or parts. During the incident flight, another hard landing was observed, which likely led to the failure of the previously damaged components. The AMO replaced the damaged parts, and the aircraft was flown safely back to FAPA.
Conclusion
The probable cause of the accident was a hard landing during training, resulting in the failure of the nose gear up-lock mechanism and a subsequent collapse.