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Hard Landing During Training Flight Results in Nose Gear Collapse at Brakpan Aerodrome (ZS-FAC)

Runway 18 at Brakpan Aerodrome, ZA

On March 20, 2008, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration ZS-FAC) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 18 at Brakpan Aerodrome, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Hard landing as a result of the pilots manipulating controls simultaneously and both applying right rudder. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

During a circuit training flight at Brakpan Benoni Aerodrome, simultaneous rudder inputs by both pilots led to a hard landing, nose gear collapse, and propeller strike. No injuries were reported.

History of Flight

On 20 March 2008 at approximately 1250Z, an instructor and a student pilot were conducting circuit training at Brakpan Benoni Aerodrome (FABB) in a Piper PA-28-140 aircraft, registration ZS-FAC. The first approach and landing were uneventful, though the student had difficulty maintaining the runway centre line. During the second approach, the student abruptly applied full left rudder, causing an abrupt left yaw. The instructor applied corrective right rudder without informing the student that she had taken control. The student also applied full right rudder to correct the left yaw, resulting in both pilots applying right rudder simultaneously. The aircraft landed hard on the nose gear, causing the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft veered to the right and the propeller struck the ground.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, the bottom nose section, and the propeller. No other damage was reported.

Personnel Information

The instructor, a 31-year-old female, held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument and Instructor (Grade III) ratings. She had 950 total flying hours, including 59 hours on the PA-28-140, but had not flown the type in the previous 90 days. The student, a 19-year-old female, held a valid Student Pilot Licence and had 25.8 total flying hours, with 15.2 hours on type.

Meteorological Information

Weather conditions were fine, with wind from 180 degrees at 6 knots, visibility CAVOK, temperature 27°C, and no cloud cover.

Aerodrome Information

Brakpan Benoni Aerodrome is an unregistered airfield with a single runway designated 18/36, measuring 1440 metres by 15 metres, surfaced with tar. The accident occurred on Runway 18.

Additional Findings

It was noted during the investigation that the aircraft did not have brakes installed on the instructor's side. No system or engine malfunctions were identified.

Probable Cause

The accident was attributed to a hard landing resulting from both pilots manipulating the controls simultaneously, both applying right rudder. A contributory factor was the instructor's failure to intervene in time to rectify the situation when the student was losing control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 2008 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Runway 18 at Brakpan Aerodrome, ZA?

During a circuit training flight at Brakpan Benoni Aerodrome, simultaneous rudder inputs by both pilots led to a hard landing, nose gear collapse, and propeller strike. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 2008 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 2008 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration ZS-FAC, at Runway 18 at Brakpan Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Hard landing as a result of the pilots manipulating controls simultaneously and both applying right rudder.

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