What happened
On 28 August 2010, a student pilot was completing a cross-country training flight lasting approximately 1.6 hours. As the pilot attempted to land on Runway 36 at Brakpan Aerodrome (FABB), the Piper PA28-150, registration ZS-MII, encountered gusting winds from 310 degrees at 8 to 11 knots.
In an attempt to manage the wind, the pilot overcorrected, causing the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway. Seeking to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot pushed the nose down, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The aircraft subsequently drifted off the runway surface and into the adjacent field. The pilot sustained no injuries during the event.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and the environmental factors present during the landing. Physical evidence from the runway, including scuff marks, indicated that the aircraft made contact with the surface on the nose landing gear and the right-hand main landing gear.
Technical inspections confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and had been maintained according to regulations. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a valid student pilot license and medical certificate. The maintenance organization responsible for the most recent periodic inspection was found to be properly approved.