History of Flight
On 10 February 2010, at approximately 0900Z, a student pilot conducted a solo training flight in a Cessna 172M (registration ZS-PSW) from Vereeniging Aerodrome (FAVV). The aircraft departed, navigated to the General Flying Area, and then returned to the aerodrome. The pilot elected to land on Runway 03, citing favorable wind conditions. The aircraft established a normal approach and final approach, but upon touchdown, the aircraft landed hard, bounced twice, and contacted the runway on the nose wheel.
Injuries
No injuries were sustained. The student pilot was unharmed.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The nose landing gear collapsed, with the nose wheel bending rearward. The cabin remained intact, and the pilot evacuated unassisted.
Personnel Information
The pilot, a 17-year-old female of Nepalese nationality, held a valid student pilot license with the aircraft type endorsed. Her total flying experience was 58.2 hours, of which 52.8 hours were on the Cessna 172M. She had 25.9 hours in the previous 90 days, with 20.5 hours on type in that period. No previous accidents were recorded.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 172M (serial number 17261665), was manufactured in 1973 and had accumulated 19,320.3 total airframe hours. The last mandatory periodic inspection was completed on 2 February 2010 at 19,290.8 hours, with 29.5 hours since that inspection. The engine, a Lycoming O-320-E2D (serial number RL-31370-27A), had 4,229.9 hours since new and 229.9 hours since overhaul. The propeller, a McCauley 1C160CTM7553 (serial number 721780), had 1,592.8 hours since new; overhaul hours were unknown.
Meteorological Information
Surface wind was from 330 degrees at 3 knots. Visibility was CAVOK, with a temperature of 25°C and no cloud cover. These conditions were not considered a factor in the accident.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft bounced twice before landing hard on the nose wheel, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The aircraft came to rest on the runway. No pre- or post-impact fire occurred. The cockpit remained structurally intact.
Probable Cause
The aircraft porpoised during landing, and in an attempt to recover, the student pilot landed the aircraft hard on its nose landing gear, resulting in a landing gear collapse.