What happened
On 13 January 2023, a pilot conducting a solo night navigation exercise in a Cessna 172, registration ZS-TIU, experienced a series of complications during the return to Grand Central Airport (FAGC). The flight, part of a Part 141 training program, had included stops at Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp before returning to the departure airfield.
Upon arrival at the unmanned tower, the pilot attempted a landing but turned early on the base leg, resulting in an approach that was too high. This necessitated a go-around. During a second approach, the runway lights unexpectedly extinguished, likely due to local load shedding, prompting another go-around. During the subsequent downwind leg, a low fuel caution light illuminated, leading the pilot to decide on a final landing attempt.
During the final approach, the pilot attempted to signal the tower by pressing the push-to-talk button, but received no response. Approaching the runway at approximately 65 knots, the pilot reduced power to flare; however, the aircraft floated and struck the runway with significant force. Subsequent bounces and a ballooning maneuver occurred before the pilot could stabilize the aircraft and bring it to a stop. The Cessna 172 sustained substantial damage to the airframe, firewall, and propellers, though there were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the flight, including the aircraft's maintenance status and the environmental conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had undergone its mandatory periodic inspection within the required timeframe. Weather conditions at the time were clear with good visibility.
Investigators also reviewed the fuel state. While the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the flight duration, a discrepancy was noted in the fuel distribution between the tanks, with the left tank containing significantly more fuel than the right tank following the flight. Additionally, the investigation looked into the timing of the runway light failure, noting a discrepancy between the pilot's report of a five-minute delay in generator activation and the airport's fire management records.