What happened
On the morning of 1 April 2025, a Cessna 152, registration ZS-KSL, was conducting a recurrent training flight from Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) in KwaZulu-Natal. The flight, involving a flight instructor and a pilot, initially proceeded to the general flying area to complete training exercises under visual meteorological conditions. After approximately 40 minutes, the crew returned to the aerodrome to perform touch-and-go landing maneuvers.
During a subsequent touch-and-go attempt on Runway 05, the aircraft was on a flapless approach at an altitude of approximately 250 feet. The instructor attempted to increase engine power following a perceived encounter with windshear, but the engine failed to respond. Consequently, the aircraft descended and struck trees at the Beachwood Golf Course, roughly 3/5 of a kilometer short of the runway threshold. Both occupants sustained minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the mechanical, environmental, and operational aspects of the accident. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the mission and that the throttle control cable was in good working order. A post-accident inspection of the engine revealed no mechanical failures or restrictions to propeller rotation.
While the crew initially reported encountering windshear, meteorological analysis determined that the weather was stable and that windshear was an unlikely factor. However, investigators noted that the high relative humidity (86%) and the specific flight parameters—a flapless approach requiring a shallower glide path and lower power settings—created a high-risk environment for ice formation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of engine power resulting from carburettor icing during the landing sequence.
- The high humidity and the use of low power settings during the descent phase significantly increased the risk of ice accumulation.
- The use of a flapless approach necessitated a different descent profile which, combined with the carburettor heat being in the "off" position, exacerbated the icing risk.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impacting the trees.