Incident Overview
On 20 October 2023, at approximately 0835Z, a Cessna 172M aircraft (registration ZS-PMK) departed from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng Province, South Africa, for a solo training flight under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The pilot, a 22-year-old female student pilot, was the sole occupant.
Flight Details
After taking off from Runway 06, the pilot proceeded to the general flying area to conduct exercises including medium-level turns and steep turns. During the flight, the press-to-talk (PTT) button on the pilot's control column became faulty. The pilot attempted to use the PTT button on the other control column but did not move the headset jacks to the corresponding port, rendering the transmissions ineffective. Upon returning to the aerodrome, the pilot was unable to establish communication with air traffic control (ATC) to obtain clearance to enter the controlled airspace. She circled near a power station while attempting to transmit on various frequencies and also tried calling the tower using her mobile phone, without success. During this time, the pilot overheard ATC requesting the chief pilot, who was airborne with another student, to escort her back. The chief pilot located the aircraft and instructed her via radio to follow him.
Landing and Accident
The pilot followed the chief pilot to FAWB and prepared to land on Runway 29. After touchdown, the pilot did not apply sufficient rudder to maintain directional control, and the throttle was not fully closed. The aircraft veered left onto the grass area during the landing roll. The pilot retracted the flaps with the intention of performing a go-around. The aircraft then crossed Taxiway Charlie, bounced, and flipped over, coming to rest inverted. The pilot sustained minor cuts to her forehead. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Probable Cause
The aircraft landed in a high speed which led to a bounce, and the SP lost directional control which culminated in the aircraft nosing over.
Findings
The pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy at the time of departure, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and no reported defects prior to the flight. The PTT button on the pilot's control column was found to be inoperative during the flight.