History of Flight
On 30 November 2016, at approximately 0750Z, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration ZS-EOD) operated by Westline Aviation was conducting training circuits at New Tempe aerodrome (FATP) in the Free State province of South Africa. The aircraft was flown by a student pilot with 20.8 hours of flying experience, under the supervision of an instructor on the ground using a hand-held radio.
After completing four dual circuits, the instructor disembarked and the student performed three solo circuits. A second training aircraft then joined the circuit and landed; its instructor advised that the crosswind was increasing. In response, the ground instructor instructed the student to make the fourth solo circuit a full-stop landing.
During the approach, the instructor observed the left wing drop and immediately advised the student to go around. The student applied power, but the aircraft was too close to the runway and landed hard. The aircraft then veered to the left, exited the runway, and the left main undercarriage impacted an ant hill, causing it to separate from the aircraft. The student was not injured.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the pilot was a student on solo consolidation under instructor supervision. The crosswind component had increased during the training, as confirmed by another instructor who had landed just before the incident. The aircraft landed hard before veering off the runway and striking an ant hill, resulting in the separation of the left main gear. No injuries were sustained.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was determined to be loss of control following an attempt to execute a go-around during crosswind conditions.