Student Pilot Loss of Control During Solo Training Flight

Casualties unknown • Heidelberg Aerodrome, on the grass right hand side of runway 24, ZA

A student pilot's solo training flight ended in a hard landing and aircraft damage at Heidelberg Aerodrome following an unexpected wind gust.

What happened

On 18 November 2013, a student pilot was conducting solo consolidation training at Heidelberg Aerodrome. After successfully completing two circuits, the pilot attempted a third touch-and-go on runway 24. During the flare for touchdown, the Cessna A152 encountered a sudden gust of wind from the right side. This disturbance caused the aircraft to lose directional control, resulting in a hard landing where the nose gear struck the runway first. The impact caused the nose wheel to collapse, and the aircraft bounced and veered toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft eventually came to rest on the grass approximately 260 metres from the runway threshold. The pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.

The investigation

An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the impact and the pilot's experience. The inquiry reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed that the Cessna A152, registration ZS-SSG, was properly maintained and compliant with all regulations. Investigators also analyzed the pilot's flight training records, noting that while the pilot had accumulated over 24 hours of total flight time, only 2.2 hours had been completed in solo flight. The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing, the meteorological conditions at the time, and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the impact.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was a hard landing with the nose landing gear striking the ground first.
  • The pilot's lack of experience in handling unexpected wind gusts during solo flight contributed to the loss of control.
  • The pilot utilized poor handling techniques following the initial bounce, failing to maintain directional control.
  • The aircraft sustained significant damage to the engine mountings, nose landing gear, propeller, and the left wing's leading edge due to the severe impact forces.
  • Meteorological conditions were generally clear, but unpredictable wind gusts were present during the approach.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the loss of directional control following a hard landing where the nose gear made primary contact with the runway, exacerbated by the pilot's limited solo flight experience and improper handling techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-11-18 Cessna A152 accident near Heidelberg Aerodrome, on the grass right hand side of runway 24, ZA?

A student pilot's solo training flight ended in a hard landing and aircraft damage at Heidelberg Aerodrome following an unexpected wind gust.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-11-18 involved a Cessna A152, registration ZS-SSG, at Heidelberg Aerodrome, on the grass right hand side of runway 24, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the loss of directional control following a hard landing where the nose gear made primary contact with the runway, exacerbated by the pilot's limited solo flight experience and improper handling techniques.

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