What happened
On 16 June 2011, a Cessna C210 Centurion, registration ZS-ETX, was conducting a private flight from Tempe Aerodrome to a private landing strip at Opikoppi farm in the Lephalale area. During the landing roll following touchdown, the left main wheel of the aircraft encountered a patch of loose gravel.
This contact caused the pilot to lose directional control, leading the aircraft to veer left off the gravel strip. As the aircraft moved off the prepared surface, the left wing struck a row of thorn bushes, which induced a leftward spin. During this sequence, the right wing made contact with the ground before the aircraft finally came to a stop. The pilot escaped the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances of the excursion, noting that the weather conditions at the time were favorable, with good visibility and light winds. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate, and the aircraft was fully airworthy with no reported mechanical issues prior to departure. The investigation also noted that the aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller blades, the right wing, and the left stabilizer.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the loss of directional control resulting from the left main wheel hitting loose gravel.
- The aircraft's excursion was exacerbated by the left wing striking vegetation (thorn bushes).
- The aircraft was in a serviceable condition and the pilot was properly licensed at the time of the occurrence.