Incident Overview
On 19 June 2025, at 1451Z, a Sling 2 aircraft registered ZU-WMM was involved in a serious incident at Freeway Park Aerodrome (FAFW) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The aircraft came to rest approximately 3 metres to the right of Runway 02. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day, in accordance with Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011 as amended.
Flight Details
The flight departed from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) at approximately 1411Z with about 98 litres of Mogas fuel. On board were a flight instructor (FI) and a pilot. The purpose of the flight was to conduct touch-and-go landings in preparation for the pilot's Private Pilot Licence (PPL) renewal. The FI held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Grade 3 flight instructor rating. The pilot held a PPL and had accumulated 135.3 hours on the aircraft type.
After arriving at FAFW, the crew performed a successful touch-and-go landing on Runway 02. Shortly after becoming airborne, the FI initiated a simulated engine failure after takeoff (EFATO) as part of the training exercise. At an elevation of approximately 3818 feet, with sufficient runway remaining, the FI reduced the throttle and configured the aircraft with first-stage flaps at 75 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) for landing. Following confirmation from the FI, the pilot applied back pressure on the control column.
Hard Landing and Runway Excursion
The aircraft experienced a high rate of descent and landed hard. Upon touchdown, the right main wheel separated from the strut and struck the leading edge of the horizontal stabiliser. Despite the damage, the pilot maintained directional control for most of the landing roll. As a precautionary measure, the engine was shut down and isolated because the aircraft was out of balance due to the broken strut. However, towards the end of the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control, and the aircraft veered to the right of Runway 02. The aircraft came to a stop about 3 metres from the runway. Both occupants were not injured and deplaned without assistance.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage. The right main wheel separated from the strut, and the horizontal stabiliser leading edge was struck. No additional damage occurred during the runway excursion.
Probable Cause
Hard landing due to the high rate of descent which resulted in a runway excursion.