What happened
On 20 October 2008, a student pilot was conducting circuit training at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). The flight began as a dual instruction session, during which the student completed two circuits with an instructor on board. After the instructor disembarked, the student continued the session as a solo consolidation flight.
After completing four solo circuits, the pilot received clearance from Air Traffic Control to land on Runway 3 and finish the fifth circuit. During the landing phase, the Tecnam P92-S-ECHO bounced on the runway surface. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot pushed the nose forward. This action inadvertently increased the momentum of the bounces, leading to a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered left off the asphalt and onto the grass, approximately five metres from the runway edge, where the nose landing gear collapsed. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances of the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid license with the appropriate type endorsement. The aircraft, registration ZU-ECL, was found to have been maintained according to approved schedules and possessed a valid Authority to Fly.
Investigators also reviewed the environmental conditions, noting that the weather was CAVOK with a light wind of 310 degrees at 6 knots. There was no evidence of mechanical failure in the engine or airframe prior to the impact. The investigation noted that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, the right wingtip, and the nose landing gear.