What happened
On 25 February 2014, a student pilot operating a Sling aircraft, registration ZU-ZDL, departed from Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) for an unauthorized solo cross-country flight toward Pietermaritzburg Aerodrome (FAPM). During the arrival at FAPM, the pilot attempted a landing on runway 16. The aircraft struck the runway with excessive force, causing the nose wheel to collapse and the propeller to make contact with the ground. The pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft, escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the circumstances of the landing and the pilot's regulatory compliance. The inquiry established that the pilot was performing a flight that violated South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards, as the solo flight was conducted without the required prior written authorization or the supervision of a flight instructor.
Technical examinations of the aircraft and its maintenance history showed that the Sling was properly maintained, with its most recent annual inspection completed according to regulations. Meteorological data indicated that weather conditions were favorable, with good visibility and light winds, ruling out environmental factors as a cause for the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a hard landing that resulted in the structural failure of the nose gear.
- The pilot utilized an incorrect landing technique, specifically flaring too high and subsequently pushing the aircraft forward, which led to the nose wheel impact.
- The flight was an unauthorized private operation that transgressed regulations regarding student pilot privileges.
- The aircraft's maintenance status was found to be in compliance with all necessary requirements.