What happened
On 26 April 2025, a pilot operating a Sling 2 (registration ZU-STG) was performing a solo cross-country flight from Virginia Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal to King Phalo Aerodrome in the Eastern Cape. The flight was part of a larger planned itinerary that included visits to Mossel Bay Aerodrome, marking the pilot's first time visiting the destination airports.
While joining the traffic circuit at King Phalo Aerodrome, the pilot extended the downwind leg to maintain separation from another aircraft. During the final approach for Runway 1 and 11, the pilot attempted to correct a perceived low glide slope by applying power while maintaining an airspeed of approximately 70 knots. As the aircraft reached the flare, the pilot reduced the engine to idle. This resulted in a hard touchdown followed by several bounces on the runway. During the sequence, the propeller struck the runway surface, causing minor damage to the propeller tips, the left-wing tip, and the nose landing gear wheel support bracket.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID investigation established that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and was flying under Part 91 regulations. The aircraft was fully certified, with a valid authority-to-fly and recent annual inspections. The investigation confirmed that no mechanical failures contributed to the incident and that weather conditions were clear.
Findings
- The pilot was conducting her first solo cross-country flight to unfamiliar aerodromes, which increased operational stress.
- The pilot's approach speed of 70 knots exceeded the recommended 65 knots specified in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
- Improper power management led to an increased rate of descent and the subsequent bounces on the runway.
- The necessity of an extended downwind leg to maintain separation increased the pilot's workload and altered the descent profile.