Hard landing involving a Piper PA-28-161, VH-CBF, Moorabbin, Victoria, on 6 June 1993

The student pilot was conducting his second period of solo flying involving three circuits and Airwork in the training area. On approach after returning from the training area the aircraft was high and fast, but the pilot persisted with the approach. He then forced the aircraft onto the runway causing it to bounce. The aircraft was substantially damaged in the ensuing very hard touchdown. The training organisation has revised its procedures to give more adequate instruction covering this type of occurrence.

Significant factors

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident.

1. The pilot had very low experience.

2. The pilot persisted with an approach that was high and fast.

3. During the landing attempt the pilot made inappropriate control inputs.

4. The training organisation had not given the pilot adequate instruction on how to handle this type of event.