What happened
On 9 June 2021, a Cessna 172N, registered as ZS-OFU, departed from Rand Airport (FAGM) for the purpose of conducting circuit training. The flight was being conducted under Part 141 training regulations. During the pilot's first solo circuit, while on final approach for Runway 3/35, the aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude. While the pilot was monitoring airspeed and altitude, the aircraft's height decreased significantly, prompting the pilot to apply back pressure on the control column. Shortly after this maneuver, the stall warning activated. The aircraft subsequently ballooned, and during the attempt to land, the aircraft bounced and impacted the runway nose-wheel first. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
Because this was a limited accident investigation, the SACAA AIID relied on information provided by the involved parties and organizations rather than conducting a full-scale field investigation. The inquiry focused on the flight parameters during the final approach and the sequence of aerodynamic events leading to the impact. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its structure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot losing control of the aircraft due to an unstable approach during the landing phase.
- This unstable approach directly resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- The hard landing and subsequent nose-wheel impact were consequences of the loss of control and the aircraft's behavior following the stall warning.