Accident Overview
On 14 July 1999 at 1030Z, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration ZS-EBL) operated by an unnamed flying school was conducting a solo training flight at Port Alfred Aerodrome, South Africa. The student pilot, who held a valid student pilot licence with 18.6 total flying hours all on type, was performing a series of touch-and-go landings on Runway 28.
Sequence of Events
During the second touch-and-go landing attempt, the pilot ballooned the aircraft. In an attempt to recover from the ballooned condition, the right wing tip struck the ground. Subsequently, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway to the left.
Damage and Injuries
The nose wheel broke off and the propeller struck the ground during the excursion. There were no injuries to the pilot or any other persons. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose wheel, propeller, and likely other components.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at the time were reported as fine.
Probable Cause
The pilot ballooned the aircraft on landing; in an attempt to recover from the condition, the right wing tip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway.