Accident Summary
On 3 June 2023 at 0908Z, a Cessna 172F with registration ZS-EDI was involved in an accident during landing at Runway 35 of Bona-Bona Airstrip near Wolmaransstad, North West Province. The flight was a private operation under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed by day, with wind from 320° at 15 knots and temperature 21°C.
Sequence of Events
The pilot and a passenger departed Grand Central Airport (FAGC) for Bona-Bona Airstrip. Approaching Runway 35 at 70 to 75 miles per hour (60 to 65 knots) with flaps at 20°, the aircraft encountered a sudden strong left crosswind during the flare, causing it to drift right. The aircraft touched down on the grass beside the runway and bounced. The pilot applied full power to go around, but the aircraft yawed left toward the perimeter fence. Raising the nose to avoid impact, the nose landing gear struck the fence and then the ground.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller blades, wings, elevator, rear fuselage, and the nose gear strut broke off. The pilot suffered minor head injuries; the passenger was not injured.
Probable Cause
The probable cause is that the aircraft experienced a sudden crosswind during flare, which resulted in a stall and hard landing before bouncing, after which the pilot lost directional control.
Additional Information
The pilot, a 21-year-old female with a Private Pilot Licence, had 98 total flight hours, 95.4 on type. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had undergone a mandatory periodic inspection on 15 May 2023. The landing speed and flap setting were within limits. The crosswind component was 7.5 knots.