What happened
On 15 June 2022, a training flight conducted under Part 1s41 regulations resulted in an accident at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng Province. A student pilot was operating a Cessna 172M Skyhawk, registration ZS-STV, for a routine training session involving maneuvers such as steep turns and simulated precautionary landings. The flight originated from Grand Central with the intention of returning to the same airfield.
During the return to FAGC, the pilot requested clearance to join Runway 17 and entered the traffic pattern. While approaching the runway with flaps extended to 30 degrees, the pilot misjudged the aircraft's position relative to the ground. Believing the main landing gear had already made contact with the runway, the pilot released back pressure on the control column to lower the nose. This action caused the aircraft to strike the runway surface with excessive force on the nose gear, subsequently leading to propeller strikes on the pavement.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the aircraft, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions. The aircraft, which had completed a 100-hour inspection only 6.6 hours prior to the event, was found to be in a serviceable condition. Post-accident inspections of the Cessna 172M Skyhawk revealed no mechanical failures, disconnected flight controls, or instrument malfunctions. The damage was localized to the landing gear, specifically a bent nose gear oleo and a displaced nose wheel assembly, along with damage to the propeller.
At the time of the incident, weather conditions were clear with high visibility and no significant wind, meaning environmental factors did not contribute to the event. The pilot, holding a Student Pilot Licence, had accumulated approximately 39.7 total flying hours, with 35.5 hours flown within the preceding 90 days.