What happened
On the morning of 4 November 2025, a student pilot was conducting a navigational training flight in an Airplane Factory Sling 2, registration ZU-IEI. The flight originated from Bram Fischer International Airport (FABL) and was intended to conclude at New Tempe Aerodrome (FATP) in the Free State province. The flight was being performed under visual meteorological conditions as part of a Part 1-41 training program.
After completing a successful touch-and-go at Bram Fischer, the pilot returned to New Tempe Aerodrome. During the landing sequence on Runway 28, an antelope ran across the active runway. In an effort to avoid a collision with the animal, the pilot steered the aircraft to the left. While attempting to correct the aircraft's path back to the centerline using the right rudder, the propeller struck the runway surface, leading to the collapse of the nose wheel. The aircraft skidded approximately 7 metres before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller and nose gear.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing at FATP. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate with no restrictions. The aircraft, ZU-IEI, was found to have a valid Authority-to-Fly and a current Certificate of Release to Service. The investigation focused on the mechanical and pilot inputs following the sudden appearance of wildlife on the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's overcorrection using the right rudder to return to the centerline.
- This corrective action induced excessive side-loading on the landing gear, which caused the nose wheel to collapse inwards.
- The initial deviation from the centerline was a direct result of the pilot applying left rudder to avoid an antelope crossing the runway.