What happened
On 19 January 2007, a Cessna 172, registration ZS-JUO, was involved in a runway excursion at Grand Central Aerodrome in Gauteng. The pilot was conducting solo circuit and landing practice following the recent completion of a dual conversion course on this aircraft type.
During the landing phase on runway 35, the aircraft lost directional control toward the end of the landing roll. The aircraft veered to the right of the runway, exiting the paved surface before reaching the taxiway exit leading to the main apron. There were no injuries to the three occupants on board, and the aircraft sustained no damage during the incident.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the excursion, noting that the pilot was performing his first solo flight on this specific model, having completed only 12.9 hours of dual instruction.
Physical evidence at the scene included a skid mark on the grass, measuring approximately 60 feet in length. This mark indicated that heavy right-hand braking had been applied during the landing roll. Maintenance records were also reviewed, showing that the aircraft's last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was completed on 15 December 2006, with 77.11 flight hours accumulated since that inspection.