What happened
On the morning of 22 May 2024, a student pilot was conducting solo circuit training at Ermelo Aerodrome (FAEO) in Mpumalanga. The flight, operating under Part 141 training regulations, involved a Piper PA-28-235 with registration ZS-FOW.
After completing one successful circuit, the student pilot attempted a second landing on Runway 31. During the approach, a sudden tailwind developed near the runway threshold, causing the aircraft to maintain an excessive ground speed. As the pilot attempted to touchdown, the aircraft began to oscillate, a phenomenon known as porpoising. Realizing the landing could not be completed safely, the pilot applied full power and executed a successful go-around. Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot discovered that the propeller blades had sustained minor damage from striking the runway surface.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and had undergone a maintenance inspection approximately 24 hours prior to the flight. The weather was reported as clear with good visibility, though a wind shift had occurred during the landing sequence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the student pilot approaching the runway with a tailwind, which increased the ground speed and led to a porpoising motion during the landing attempt.
- The aircraft's propeller blades struck the runway surface while the plane was in a nose-low attitude.
- The student pilot's limited experience on this specific aircraft type contributed to the difficulty in managing the landing.
- A failure to properly assess the changing wind conditions resulted in the landing being attempted with an unfavorable tailwind.