History of Flight
On Tuesday, 30 June 2020, a student pilot reported to the flight school at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) for a dual pre-solo consolidation circuit training flight. The student pilot and a Grade III flight instructor conducted a short pre-flight briefing and a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee registered ZS-EBC. The aircraft was airworthy with no defects recorded. The student pilot, who held a student pilot licence and had 24.14 total flying hours, all on type, was the pilot flying, with the instructor monitoring.
After three circuits, including two touch-and-go landings, the instructor assessed the weather conditions and found them suitable for the student pilot to continue solo. The instructor disembarked, and the student pilot taxied back to Runway 11, took off, and completed one circuit. The accident occurred during the second circuit on a farm behind the Pretoria University Faculty of Veterinary Science Campus, approximately 2.4 nautical miles west of FAWB.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 090° at 8 knots, temperature 19°C, dew point -02°C, visibility 9999 meters, and QNH 1028 hPa. The weather was in accordance with visual flight rules (VFR) with clear skies.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft was destroyed by impact and a subsequent post-impact fire. Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no signs of airframe failure, flight control problems, loss of engine power, or in-flight fire. The student pilot was fatally injured.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the aircraft flew an extended base leg and passed the extended centreline of Runway 11. To realign with the final approach path, the student pilot executed a steeper than normal turn, causing the aircraft to enter a torque roll and descend in a left spiral. The student pilot then applied more power to recover, which resulted in a high-speed turn, increasing the left-wing bank angle. Control was lost, and the aircraft impacted the ground.
Contributing Factor
The student pilot's lack of experience was identified as a contributing factor.