What happened
On 19 November 2022, a Cessna 172E with registration ZS-DUR departed from Vereeniging Airport (FAVV) in Gauteng for a private flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers under visual meteorological conditions.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 03, the pilot rotated the aircraft at 50 knots, which was below the standard rotation speed of 60 mph. A right-hand crosswind caused the aircraft to drift left during the climb. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude, and a stall warning was triggered. The aircraft entered a left-wing low attitude and descended rapidly. The left wingtip struck the ground first, causing it to be severed. The nose wheel then struck an anthill, resulting in the nose gear strut breaking away. The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position on an electrified perimeter fence, approximately 710 meters northwest of the Runway 21 threshold. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the three occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the flight parameters. The examination of the Cessna 172E revealed significant damage to the propeller blades, wingtips, nose gear, and empennage. The backward bend of the propeller blades suggested the engine experienced a power loss, which contributed to the stall.
Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was within its weight and balance limits and that the fuel was of the correct grade with no signs of contamination. The flight controls were found to be functional. While the runway length at FAVV was more than sufficient for the required takeoff distance, evidence suggested the takeoff roll did not begin at the runway threshold, leaving the pilot with limited remaining runway.
Findings
- The aircraft lifted off before reaching the required rotation speed.
- The pilot likely rotated early due to limited remaining runway length, which directly caused the aircraft to stall shortly after takeoff.
- Weather conditions were not a contributing factor to the accident.
- The aircraft was properly maintained, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent periodic inspection.