History of Flight
On 12 March 2017 at approximately 0724Z, a Cessna 172S (registration ZS-FIA) operated by an aviation training organisation under Part 141 was on a solo consolidation flight at Oudtshoorn Aerodrome (FAOH) in the Western Cape Province. The sole occupant was a student pilot with 23.9 total flying hours, including 2.1 hours on type. After landing on Runway 22, the pilot vacated the runway via exit 2. Air traffic control observed the aircraft exiting at a speed described as substantial and too fast. The aircraft then veered off the taxiway and continued through bush terrain. As the pilot attempted to steer back onto the taxiway, the propeller struck a large rock concealed by vegetation. The wheel spats were also damaged by smaller rocks. ATC activated the crash alarm and dispatched an emergency vehicle (RV1) to assist. The aircraft was towed back to the hangar after the propeller sustained substantial damage. The student pilot was not injured.
Investigation
The investigation revealed that the student pilot was authorised for the flight and was under training. He had limited flying experience on the aircraft type. The aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness, and its brakes were fully functional. FAOH was a licenced aerodrome. Meteorological conditions were daylight with light and variable surface wind, temperature 22°C, and visibility greater than 10 km; weather had no influence on the incident. The propeller struck a rock concealed by vegetation, resulting in extensive damage.
Probable Cause
The student pilot lost control of the aircraft after landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the taxiway into bush where the propeller struck a large rock concealed by vegetation. A contributory factor was lack of experience and limited flying time on the aircraft type.