What happened
On 17 December 2002, a PA-28R-200, registration ZS-NHI, was conducting a training flight from Stellenbosch aerodrome to Fisantekraal aerodrome. The flight was intended to practice short field landing techniques in preparation for a student pilot's commercial pilot license practical examination.
Following a successful initial landing, the student pilot attempted a second short field approach on Runway 32. During the final approach, the aircraft was configured with landing gear and full flaps extended. While initially slightly above the glide path, the pilot reduced power, causing the aircraft to descend. An attempt to increase power to arrest the descent rate was insufficient to maintain the intended path. As the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above ground level, a further reduction in power increased the sink rate, causing the aircraft to drop below the glide path.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence and the actions taken by the crew during the approach. It was established that as the aircraft began undershooting the threshold, the instructor recognized the danger and directed the student pilot to apply more power. However, the instructor noted that the student pilot's power application was inadequate, necessitating the instructor to apply full power in a late attempt to prevent the aircraft from striking the ground short of the runway.
Findings
- The aircraft struck bushes located in the undershoot area of Runway 32.
- The impact caused the landing gear to collapse, resulting in the aircraft skidding roughly 30 meters before coming to a stop left of the runway centerline.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though there were no injuries to the two occupants.
- The primary factor in the accident was that the instructor allowed the aircraft to descend too far below the intended glide path and failed to implement corrective measures in a timely manner.