History of Flight
On Saturday, 14 December 2024, at 0630Z, a solo student pilot departed Cape Town International Aerodrome (FACT) in a Piper PA-38-112 aircraft, registration ZS-KHZ, on a cross-country training flight. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day and in accordance with Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The intended route included a touch-and-go at Saldanha Aerodrome (FASD) before returning to FACT for a full-stop landing.
Upon arrival at FASD, the pilot joined overhead the aerodrome and flew two circuits. Despite the prevailing wind from the south-south-westerly direction favoring Runway 20, the pilot opted to perform a touch-and-go on Runway 02. The pilot selected 20° of wing flaps for landing. After touchdown, he retracted the flaps and applied full power for take-off. At approximately 60 knots, he applied back pressure on the control column. The nose wheel lifted off the ground, but the main wheels remained in contact with the runway surface. The aircraft began to veer to the left of the centerline, and the student pilot was unable to correct the deviation. The aircraft departed the runway surface and continued through dry grass alongside the runway. The nose landing gear strut bent backward, and the aircraft nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted attitude.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for a medical check-up after being assessed by emergency medical services. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft and Aerodrome Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-38-112, registration ZS-KHZ. The accident occurred at Saldanha Aerodrome (FASD) at GPS coordinates 32°57'49.05" South 017°58'09.04" East, elevation 50 feet. The event occurred during daytime at 0812Z.
Sequence of Events
An eyewitness observed the aircraft joining overhead the aerodrome. After the pilot flew two circuits, he initiated the touch-and-go. The loss of directional control occurred during the take-off portion of the maneuver, leading to the runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.
Preliminary Investigation
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority was notified and appointed an investigator-in-charge. No on-site investigation was conducted. The investigation is ongoing, and further information may be included in a subsequent interim or final report.