What happened
On 26 September 2013, a private pilot was conducting night flight training at Virginia aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal. The purpose of the flight was to complete three circuits to maintain the pilot's night rating currency. During the third and final circuit, the pilot executed a landing that resulted in a hard landing. The impact caused the Sling 2, registration ZU-FVU, to bounce three times. Following these bounces, the nose landing gear collapsed, leading the propeller to strike the runway surface. The pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the condition of the aircraft. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with clear skies, a temperature of 18°C, and an easterly wind of 8 knots. The aircraft, a Sling 2, was found to be in a serviceable condition, with maintenance records showing it had been maintained according to approved procedures. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was appropriately licensed and qualified for the intended operation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a hard landing resulting from poor landing technique.
- The impact of the landing caused the aircraft to bounce multiple times, which subsequently led to the collapse of the nose landing gear.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, the nose landing gear, and the lower belly area near the gear.
- Weather conditions were fine and did not contribute to the occurrence.