What happened
On July 22, 2009, a student pilot was conducting solo training circuits at Witbank Aerodrome (FAWI). While on final approach to runway 35, the pilot initiated the roundout maneuver at an excessive altitude. This premature maneuver caused the aircraft's airspeed to drop significantly, leading the Windlass Aquila, registration ZU-BZN, into a stall. As the aircraft lost lift, the left wing dropped, resulting in a ground impact. The pilot escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the aircraft was structurally sound prior to the impact and that no mechanical malfunctions or defects contributed to the event. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had a valid authority to fly and that the pilot held the necessary student license and ratings. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were not a factor. The damage sustained by the Windlass Aquila included a bent left leading edge and profile tube, as well as damage to the left wheel strut and nose wheel, all of which were attributed to the forces of the impact.