Accident Overview
On 1 November 2001, a Piper PA28-180 aircraft (registration ZS-JGD) operated by an accredited training organisation was involved in an accident at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC). The aircraft was conducting a solo training flight with a student pilot as the sole occupant. No injuries or fatalities occurred.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot was flying solo in the circuit at Grand Central Aerodrome. During approach to land on Runway 17, the pilot encountered wind shear and subsequently lost altitude. Although the pilot applied additional power, the aircraft continued to descend at a considerable rate. According to air traffic control, the student appeared to stall the aircraft just before touchdown. A hard landing followed, during which the left main landing gear and the nose landing gear separated from the aircraft. The propeller struck the ground, and the left wing sustained damage.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, aged 21, held a valid student pilot license and had accumulated 26.1 total flying hours, all on the accident aircraft type. The flight was a solo training operation departing from and intending to return to Grand Central Aerodrome. The aircraft's last mandatory periodic inspection was certified on 19 September 2001 at 5138.3 flying hours. Since that inspection, the aircraft had flown an additional 70.68 hours. The operator held a valid accreditation and approval certificate at the time of the accident.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological conditions at the time were reported as CAVOC (clear and visibility okay), indicating good weather with no significant cloud cover or visibility restrictions.
Probable Cause
During the approach to land, the student pilot encountered wind-shear, which caused the aircraft to stall and resulted in a hard landing.