What happened
On the morning of 21 November 2024, a pilot was conducting a private flight for the purpose of hour building at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng. The flight, involving a pilot and one passenger, utilized a Cessna 172K Skyhawk, registration ZS-FXX, to perform a series of touch-and-go landings.
After two successful maneuvers, the aircraft approached Runway 35 for a third landing. During this approach, the aircraft floated above the runway surface and touched down significantly past the threshold, nearly reaching the control tower. In an attempt to stop the aircraft, the pilot applied heavy braking, but the remaining runway length was insufficient.
Seeking to abort the landing, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying power. However, the aircraft failed to maintain sufficient airspeed, leading to a stall at approximately 20 feet above the ground. The Cessna 172K Skyhawk impacted the ground nose-first just outside the aerodrome perimeter fence. The force of the impact broke the nose gear strut, causing the aircraft to flip and come to rest in an inverted position at a nursery in the Glen Austin residential area. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, there were 0 fatalities and no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters, aircraft maintenance records, and the sequence of the landing attempt. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating well within its maximum take-off weight and that all recent maintenance inspections were up to date. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate. The investigation focused on the transition from the deep touchdown to the failed go-around maneuver.