What happened
On 19 June 2025, a Sling 2 aircraft, registration ZU-WMM, was conducting a training flight between Wonderboom Aerodrome and Freeway Park Aerodrome. The flight was being operated under Part 141 regulations to assist a pilot in preparing for a Private Pilot Licence renewal.
After successfully completing a touch-and-go landing on Runway 02, the flight instructor initiated a simulated engine failure after take-off (EFATO) at an altitude of approximately 3,818 feet. During the maneuver, the instructor reduced power and configured the aircraft with first-stage flaps. As the pilot applied back pressure to the control column, the aircraft experienced a high rate of descent, resulting in a hard landing.
The impact caused the right main wheel to separate from its strut, which then struck the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer. While the pilot initially maintained directional control, the aircraft's balance was compromised by the broken gear. As the aircraft continued its landing roll, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and come to rest approximately 3 metres to the right of Runway 02. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the crew's qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The Sling 2 had been maintained by an approved person, with its most recent inspection completed in November 2024. Meteorological data indicated that weather conditions were not a contributing factor to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a hard landing resulting from a high rate of descent during the landing phase.
- This high descent rate led to the separation of the right main wheel from the landing gear strut.
- The loss of directional control during the landing roll caused the aircraft to exit the runway.