Introduction
On 2 January 2023, at approximately 2030Z, a Cessna 172M Skyhawk aircraft with registration ZS-SMK was involved in an accident during the landing roll at Grand Central Airport (FAGC), Gauteng Province. The aircraft was being operated under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations as a private flight. Weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by night.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft, with one pilot and one passenger on board, struck a buck that was crossing the runway with the right-side main landing gear during the landing roll. After the collision, the aircraft veered off slightly to the left but continued rolling. The pilot then applied excessive brakes to bring the aircraft to a stop. In the process, the right landing gear strut collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off to the right side of the runway and onto the grass area. The right-side wing impacted a pole before the aircraft came to a stop against the airport’s perimeter fence.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were uninjured and disembarked unassisted. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was a collision with a buck during the landing roll while preparing to rotate for a third circuit. This resulted in the collapse of the right-side main landing gear, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and come to stop against the perimeter fence.