What happened
On 27 September 2021, a student pilot prepared for a solo training mission at Nelspruit Aerodrome (FANS) in Mpumalanga. The flight was intended to be a routine trip to the general flying area in a Cessna 172H, registration ZS-EPO. Following a standard pre-flight inspection and refueling, the pilot started the engine and prepared to depart the parking area.
As the aircraft began taxiing toward the runway, the pilot attempted to test the toe brakes. Upon application, the pilot perceived a lack of braking response, which prevented the aircraft from slowing down. As the pilot focused on the unresponsive pedals, the aircraft continued to move forward, eventually striking a concrete wall. The impact occurred at the nose and the left wing of the aircraft, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. No injuries were reported for the pilot.
The investigation
SACAA AIID reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and the pilot's experience. At the time of the incident, the pilot held a student pilot licence with 57.6 total flight hours, including 10.4 hours on this specific type. Maintenance records showed that a 100-hour periodic inspection had been completed in June 2021, and the aircraft was within its valid service interval.
Following the collision, a flight instructor performed a functional test of the braking system. This examination revealed that the brakes were fully operational and showed no evidence of hydraulic fluid leaks or mechanical failure.