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Cessna 172K Skyhawk Accident at Grand Central Aerodrome (ZS-LXE)

On Runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA

On June 19, 2023, a Cessna 172K Skyhawk (registration ZS-LXE) was involved in an aviation accident near On Runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot misjudged the flaring and released the back pressure prematurely before the main wheels settled on the runway surface, whereafter the nose wheel contacted the runway first which resulted in the nose gear fork and strut breaking off due to… This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered ZS-LXE
Aircraft registered ZS-LXE. Photo: Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti, South Africa / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 19 June 2023, a Cessna 172K Skyhawk (ZS-LXE) crashed at Grand Central Aerodrome during a student pilot's solo flight. The nose gear broke off after a hard landing, causing substantial damage but no injuries.

Incident Overview and Context On 19 June 2023, a Cessna 172K Skyhawk with registration ZS-LXE was involved in an accident at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The aircraft, a six-seat high-wing model powered by a Lycoming O-320-E2D engine, was operating under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. The flight was a pre-solo check flight for a 19-year-old student pilot, accompanied by a Grade II flight instructor. The aircraft had a total airframe time of 23,860.5 hours at the time of the incident. The student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class 2 aviation medical certificate, with 26.9 total hours on type. The instructor held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence with a Grade II rating and a Class 1 medical certificate. The Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and the aircraft maintenance organisation (AMO) both held valid certifications from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Probable cause

The student pilot misjudged the flaring and released the back pressure prematurely before the main wheels settled on the runway surface, whereafter the nose wheel contacted the runway first which resulted in the nose gear fork and strut breaking off due to overload.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jun 2023 Cessna 172K Skyhawk accident near On Runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA?

On 19 June 2023, a Cessna 172K Skyhawk (ZS-LXE) crashed at Grand Central Aerodrome during a student pilot's solo flight. The nose gear broke off after a hard landing, causing substantial damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jun 2023 Cessna 172K Skyhawk accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jun 2023 involved a Cessna 172K Skyhawk, registration ZS-LXE, at On Runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot misjudged the flaring and released the back pressure prematurely before the main wheels settled on the runway surface, whereafter the nose wheel contacted the runway first which resulted in the nose gear fork and strut breaking off due to overload.

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