Factual Information
On 12 May 2015 at 1050Z, a Cessna 172N aircraft registered ZS-SVC was conducting a private flight under Part 91 from Heidelberg Aerodrome (FAHG) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The aircraft had three occupants, all of whom were private pilot licence holders and students at the South African Flight Training Academy (SAFTA). The purpose of the flight was to build hours towards their commercial licences.
During the take-off roll, the pilot realized the indicated airspeed was not increasing and opted to abort the take-off. The pilot applied brakes, but the aircraft did not stop before the end of the runway. It went through the perimeter fence of the aerodrome and came to rest approximately one metre from the N3 freeway.
The aircraft sustained damage to the right-hand wing tip and the spinner. One passenger sustained minor injuries.
The pilot held a valid private pilot licence and was properly licensed and rated for the flight. The aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and certificate of registration, and no defects were reported before or after the accident. The weather was reported as CAVOK (Ceiling and Visibility OK) at the time of the occurrence.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the pilot braked too hard and too late, and the brakes malfunctioned.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the right-hand wing tip and the spinner. Of the three occupants, one passenger sustained minor injuries.
Operator and Ownership
The aircraft was owned and operated by the South African Flight Training Academy (SAFTA).