Casualties unknown

2008-10-20: Tecnam P92-S-Echo (ZU-ECL) — 5 metres to the left of Runway 35 at FAGM, ZA

5 metres to the left of Runway 35 at FAGM, ZA

On October 20, 2008, a Tecnam P92-S-Echo (registration ZU-ECL) was involved in an aviation accident near 5 metres to the left of Runway 35 at FAGM, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Incorrect landing technique and poor recovery procedure, resulting in a loss of directional control and a nose landing gear collapse. 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 1785104676Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on a solo consolidation flight experienced multiple bounces during landing at Rand Aerodrome, lost directional control, and veered off Runway 35. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. No injuries occurred.

History of Flight

The student pilot, accompanied by an instructor, departed Rand Aerodrome for a dual circuit training flight in a Tecnam P92-S-Echo (registration ZU-ECL). After completing two circuits, she landed uneventfully on Runway 35, and the instructor disembarked. The pilot then took off for a solo consolidation training flight. After four circuits, Air Traffic Control cleared her to land on Runway 35 for the completion of her fifth solo circuit.

During landing, the aircraft bounced on the runway. The pilot corrected by pushing the nose forward, which increased the bouncing momentum and led to a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered off the runway to the left onto the grass, where the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to rest approximately five metres from the runway's edge. The pilot sustained no injuries.

Injuries to Persons

No injuries were reported. The pilot was the sole occupant.

Damage to Aircraft

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right-hand wingtip and the propeller. The nose landing gear was broken.

Personnel Information

The pilot, a 22-year-old female, held a valid student pilot licence with the aircraft type endorsed. She had 77.7 total flying hours, all on type. No previous accidents were recorded.

Meteorological Information

Weather conditions were reported as fine. Surface wind was 310° at 6 knots, temperature 25°C, and CAVOK conditions prevailed.

Wreckage and Impact Information

The approach was uneventful. On landing Runway 35, the aircraft bounced before veering left onto the grass, where the nose gear collapsed. The right wingtip contacted the ground, and the aircraft came to rest about five metres from the runway edge. Substantial damage occurred to the right wingtip, nose landing gear, and propeller.

Probable cause

Incorrect landing technique and poor recovery procedure, resulting in a loss of directional control and a nose landing gear collapse.