Incident Summary
On 23 July 2021 at approximately 1350Z, a student pilot conducting a solo consolidation flight in a Cessna 172S (registration ZS-TBJ) departed from Beaufort West Aerodrome (FABW) in the Western Cape Province. The pilot completed one circuit with a touch-and-go exercise on Runway 08 without incident. During the second touch-and-go, a gust of wind from the right caused a hard landing. The aircraft's nose turned left while speed was high, prompting the pilot to apply full power and rotate immediately.
Circumstances
After takeoff, while passing through 300 feet above ground level, the pilot noted the airspeed was 70 knots and the nose attitude was below the horizon. Attempting to increase speed by lowering the nose further resulted in speed decreasing to approximately 57 knots. The pilot then levelled the aircraft and checked engine gauges (rpm and oil temperature), both within limits. Believing an engine failure had occurred, the pilot declared an emergency to the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) officer, who activated the crash alarm. Two other aircraft in the circuit were instructed to clear the path. The pilot executed two tear-drop manoeuvres—the first overshooting Runway 26, the second successfully landing on Runway 08 at 1413Z. The pilot was not injured, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft likely bounced during the hard landing before the go-around was initiated. During the climb, airspeed did not increase past 70 knots at 300 feet AGL, probably due to the flaps remaining extended. The student pilot's attempt to lower the nose to increase speed further reduced airspeed, likely because the extended flaps increased drag.
Safety Actions
The flight school briefed all student pilots on identifying engine failures and the appropriate procedures.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was that the student pilot bounced before executing a go-around and forgot to retract the flaps, which prevented airspeed from increasing past 70 knots during climb; when the pilot attempted to increase speed by lowering the nose, it led to a speed reduction.