What happened
On 12 May 2015, a Cessna 172N, registration ZS-SVC, was engaged in a private flight for the purpose of building flight hours toward commercial licenses. The aircraft, operated by the South African Flight Training Academy, was performing a takeoff from Runway 24 at Heidelberg Aerodrome (FAHG).
During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the indicated airspeed was failing to increase. In response, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. While attempting to decelerate, the aircraft ran out of available runway, breached the aerodrome's perimeter fence, and came to a halt approximately one meter from the N3 freeway. The incident resulted in one minor injury among the three occupants. The aircraft sustained damage to the spinner and the right-hand wing tip.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the excursion and the condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid private pilot license and was properly rated for the operation. The aircraft was found to have a valid certificate of airworthiness and registration, and there were no reported mechanical defects prior to the event.
Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were reported as CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK).
Findings
The investigation established that the primary reason the aircraft exited the runway was that the pilot applied the brakes too late and with excessive force. Additionally, the investigation noted that the brakes malfunctioned during the application process.