Occurrence
On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, at approximately 1150Z, a Cessna 172F aircraft registered ZS-EAD was taxiing towards the run-up bay for Runway 29 at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB), Gauteng Province, South Africa. The flight was conducted under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011 as amended, in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day. On board were a flight instructor (FI) and a student pilot (SP).
According to the flight instructor, a Cessna Citation was conducting power checks at the run-up bay as the Cessna 172 entered the area to perform pre-take-off checks. The Cessna 172 taxied behind the Citation to the next available spot. Upon reaching the area behind the Citation, the smaller aircraft was subjected to jet blast, causing its left wing to lift. Subsequently, the right wing and the propeller contacted the ground. The aircraft came to rest on the grass beyond the perimeter of the run-up bay. The crash alarm was activated, and the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) team responded. Both pilots disembarked unassisted and unharmed.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the propeller. The accident occurred at GPS coordinates 25°39'20.21" S 028°13'31.93" E, elevation 4089 feet.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The Cessna 172F (serial number 172-52464) had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness issued on 31 March 2024, expiring 31 March 2025, and a Certificate of Release to Service issued on 2 August 2024 at 4389.1 hours, valid until 1 August 2025 or 4489.1 hours. Total aircraft hours were 6010.56. No defects were recorded in the flight folio before the accident.
The flight instructor held a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued on 7 January 2019, renewed 10 June 2024 (expiry 31 May 2025). He had 1896.6 total flight hours, with 34.4 hours on type. His Class 1 medical certificate was valid until 31 January 2025.
The student pilot held a Student Pilot Licence (SPL) issued on 30 November 2023 (expiry 29 November 2024) and a Class 2 medical certificate valid until 30 November 2028.
Findings
The investigation found that the flight instructor and student pilot were properly licensed and endorsed for the aircraft type. The aircraft had valid certificates and no pre-existing defects.
Probable Cause
The Cessna 172 taxied behind the Cessna Citation without leaving adequate spacing (room) to avoid jet blast.
Safety Actions
None were specified in the report.