Incident Overview
On 26 April 2025 at 1110Z, a Sling 2 aircraft, registered ZU-STG, suffered a hard landing on Runway 11 at King Phalo Aerodrome (FAEL) in the Eastern Cape province. The pilot, who was conducting a solo cross-country flight from Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) to King Phalo, was not injured. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller tips, the lower nose landing gear wheel support bracket (bent to the right), and the left-wing tip.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions during daytime, operating under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The pilot received landing clearance for Runway 11 from air traffic control. Surface wind was 9 knots from 060°. While joining the traffic circuit, the pilot extended the downwind leg to maintain separation from another aircraft on final approach.
On base and final approach, the pilot perceived the aircraft to be below the desired glide slope and added power while aiming for an approach speed of approximately 70 knots. During the landing flare, the pilot reduced engine power to idle. The aircraft touched down hard, bounced multiple times, and came to a stop on the runway. During the landing sequence, the propeller struck the runway.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Sling 2, a two-seat, single-engine light sport aircraft with tricycle landing gear. It had a valid Authority-to-Fly certificate and a current Certificate of Release to Service after its last annual inspection on 6 March 2025. The aircraft had accumulated 2116.7 airframe hours at the time of the incident; no mechanical failures were reported.
The pilot held a Private Pilot Licence and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. She had 117 total flying hours, with 22.5 hours on the Sling 2. This was her first solo cross-country flight to unfamiliar aerodromes, including King Phalo and Mossel Bay. The extended downwind leg added complexity and altered the normal descent profile.
Findings
The investigation identified that the approach speed of 70 knots exceeded the recommended 65 knots for an extended downwind leg. Incorrect airspeed management and unfamiliarity with the aerodrome led to a misjudged landing flare and hard landing. Improper power management resulted in an increased rate of descent and multiple bounces after touchdown.
Probable Cause
Improper power management resulted in an increased rate of descent and multiple bounces after landing.