What happened
On January 23, 2003, a Cheeta microlight, registered ZU-CSB, was conducting a training flight at Springs Aerodrome. The flight was intended to be a circuit involving a touch-and-go landing. During the initial approach for the first landing, the student pilot bounced the aircraft on the runway. A breakdown in communication between the student and the instructor led to a delay in applying engine power. As a result, the aircraft's airspeed decreased significantly, leaving the pilot with inadequate elevator control. The aircraft subsequently struck the runway with its nose undercarriage, causing the propeller to strike the ground and the nose gear to collapse.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the qualifications of the crew. The investigation confirmed that while the instructor held a valid private pilot's license and a Microlight Instructor's Rating, he did not possess a specific type rating for the Cheeta. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as fine, with winds from 090 degrees at approximately 0 to 10 knots. The investigation also reviewed the status of the training organization, noting that its license was valid at the time of the occurrence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a bounced landing by the student pilot.
- Confusion between the student and the instructor resulted in the late application of power.
- The delayed power application led to a decay in airspeed, which caused insufficient elevator authority to maintain control.
- The impact of the hard landing caused the nose undercarriage to fail and the propeller to contact the runway surface.
- There were no fatalities and no injuries reported following the incident.