Student pilot recovers after light aircraft crash in Secunda
The 18-year-old was on her first solo flight and descending from Secunda to Witbank when the crash happened.
An 18-year-old student pilot is recovering well after the light aircraft in which she was flying crash-landed between the Secunda Airfield and the Gate One Sasol Garage on August 27.
She escaped with minor injuries to her head and nose, which required stitches, and is in good spirits and has returned home to Johannesburg.
The student, from the Airborne Aviation Flight School in Brakpan, was on her first solo flight.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) management, the teen departed from Brakpan in the Piper Cherokee 140 and proceeded to Secunda. When there, she descended from the left-hand circuit (runway 11) to embark towards Witbank.
“On the day, the wind was not strong but variable,” said the management, adding that the wind speed changed rapidly when the young pilot descended.
“She could not tell exactly what the wind was. Upon descending and final approach on the runway, the wind changed, which increased the ground speed of the aircraft, causing it to float over the runway and touch down too late,” said the management.
She touched down around 100m before the end of the runway.
“There was not enough distance or clearance to accelerate and climb, and unfortunately, the plane stalled,” said management.
The student pilot crash-landed on the island between the dual carriageway.
“Our safety manager has done a full report for the South African Civil Aviation Authority. There was speculation on other news and social media that she tried a takeoff and lost engine power, which is not the case,” said the management.
The management did not want to disclose names before their preliminary investigation was concluded.
The Ridge Times online readers had this to say:
Nicole Elizabeth Munn: Aircraft crashes *don’t* end as well as this one did. Well done to the learner pilot and pilot. This just gave you an excellent experience and a real survivor story. I will definitely fly with you guys.
Michelle Booyzen: Nice crash-landing, and lucky she is okay. Masaya Covane: Before a child can walk, it crawls. Well done, you will be a great pilot. Never give up.
Charmaine Chiluvane: What’s up with so many aircraft crashes lately?
