Synopsis
On 10 December 2006, a Cessna 172 (registration ZS-IUD) operated as a private flight with one pilot and three passengers departed and was scheduled to return to Lanseria International Aerodrome (FALA). After approximately two hours of flight, the pilot was approaching for landing. Air Traffic Control (ATC) vectored the aircraft to join a left downwind for Runway 06L. While on left base, ATC advised the pilot to perform a go-around and reposition for Runway 24, which had become the active runway due to a change in wind direction.
During the go-around, ATC offered the pilot a choice between Runway 24L and Runway 24R. The pilot initially selected Runway 24R but overshot it slightly. ATC then offered Runway 24L, which the pilot accepted. The tower issued a landing clearance and advised that the surface wind was 310° at 10 knots.
Incident Details
After touchdown approximately 500 meters past the threshold of Runway 24L, the aircraft began to veer to the left and departed the runway. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control but was unsuccessful, and the aircraft entered a shallow ditch adjacent to the runway. None of the four occupants were injured, and the aircraft sustained damage only to the propeller.
Meteorological and Maintenance Information
At the time of the incident, surface wind was 310° at 10 knots, temperature 27°C, and visibility was CAVOK. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was certified on 1 December 2006 at 5,306 airframe hours; the aircraft had accumulated an additional 4 hours since then. The aircraft was first registered in South Africa on 2 August 1972, and all applicable Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins were complied with according to documentation.
Probable Cause
The pilot placed himself under pressure by approaching for Runway 24R then accepting Runway 24L and executed an unstable approach for a runway he was not cleared to land on initially. The unstable approach increased the pilot’s workload, resulting in the loss of directional control during landing, which was aggravated by a crosswind condition.