Student Pilot Training Flight Ends in Inverted Cessna 172 Crash at Wonderboom

Casualties unknown • Runway 29 at Wonderboom Aerodrome, ZA

A student pilot's solo training flight resulted in the substantial damage of a Cessna 172M after the aircraft flipped during a landing roll at Wonderboom Aerodrome.

What happened

On 20 October 2023, a student pilot operating a Cessna 172M, registration ZS-PMK, departed Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) for a solo training flight. The flight, conducted under visual meteorological conditions, involved various maneuvers in the general flying area. During the flight, the pilot encountered a technical issue when the press-to-talk (PTT) button on the control column became non-functional, forcing the pilot to use the alternative button on the opposite column.

Upon attempting to return to the aerodrome, the pilot faced communication difficulties. After being unable to receive clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) via radio or telephone, the pilot circled near a local power station. Eventually, the chief pilot of the flight school, who was flying nearby, intercepted the aircraft and provided radio instructions to follow him back to the airfield. During the landing on Runway 2-9, the pilot failed to maintain directional control and did not fully reduce engine power. The aircraft drifted onto the grass, where it bounced and eventually flipped into an inverted position, crossing taxiway Charlie.

The investigation

The SACAA AIID investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the pilot's actions during the landing phase. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, confirming the Cessna 172M was airworthy and had a valid certificate of airworthiness. The investigation also looked into the pilot's training history and the technical failure of the PTT button. It was noted that the pilot had failed to move the headset jacks to the correct port to utilize the secondary PTT button, a mistake likely exacerbated by the stress of the preceding communication difficulties.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft landing at a high speed, which led to a bounce and subsequent loss of directional control.
  • The pilot failed to apply sufficient rudder to maintain the aircraft's path on the runway.
  • The engine power was not fully closed during the landing roll.
  • The pilot experienced significant stress due to the inability to communicate with ATC and the malfunctioning PTT button.
  • The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the inversion.

Probable cause

The aircraft landed at a high speed, causing it to bounce and resulting in a loss of directional control that led to the aircraft flipping.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-10-20 Cessna 172 M accident near Runway 29 at Wonderboom Aerodrome, ZA?

A student pilot's solo training flight resulted in the substantial damage of a Cessna 172M after the aircraft flipped during a landing roll at Wonderboom Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-10-20 involved a Cessna 172 M, registration ZS-PMK, at Runway 29 at Wonderboom Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft landed at a high speed, causing it to bounce and resulting in a loss of directional control that led to the aircraft flipping.

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