What happened
On 4 May 2018, an Airplane Factory Sling 2, registered ZU-WCG, was performing a scenic coastal flight from Port Elizabeth Airport (FAPE) toward Jeffreys Bay. The flight, operated under private non-type certified regulations, included the pilot and one passenger. The flight proceeded normally through the departure and en-route phases.
Upon returning to FAPE, the pilot was cleared to land on runway 08. During the landing sequence, the pilot utilized 30 degrees of flaps. As the nose wheel made contact with the runway surface, the nose landing gear strut assembly suddenly failed. The aircraft transitioned into a nose-down position on the runway. While the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the engine cowling, and the nose gear, both occupants were able to vacate the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's credentials. The aircraft had undergone an annual inspection approximately one month prior to the incident and had flown 34 hours since that maintenance event. Meteorological conditions at the time of landing were favorable, with a steady headwind of approximately 14 knots and no reported gusts.
Regarding the pilot's status, while the pilot held a valid medical certificate, the investigation noted that the pilot had failed to pay the required annual currency fees to the SACAA, which technically meant the privileges of the license could not be exercised.
Findings
- The investigation identified corrosion on the nose gear strut, evidenced by peeling paint and pitting on the metal surface.
- The structural integrity of the nose gear strut had been compromised by this gradual weakening over time.
- It is believed that the application of excessive force during touchdown caused the weakened strut to bend backward, leading to the collapse.
- The investigation noted a pattern of similar incidents, observing that the Sling 2 aircraft type has experienced more than 12 nose gear collapses over the previous five years.