Accident Summary
On 19 March 1999 at 1620Z, a Cessna 182 registered ZS-NNX experienced a runway excursion during landing at a private aerodrome near Blydepoort, South Africa. The aircraft was operated privately by Applied Welding Technology CC. There were no injuries to the pilot and three passengers, and no fatalities.
Flight Details
The pilot, aged 42 with a valid private pilot license and total flying experience of 329.1 hours (including 286.5 hours on type), departed from Grand Central Aerodrome en route to a private airstrip at Blydepoort. The weather at the time was reported as fine.
Accident Sequence
Upon arrival, the pilot conducted the required inspection for the unmanned aerodrome and observed that the grass along the entire length of the runway had been recently cut, deeming it suitable for landing. The pilot elected to land on Runway 01 at approximately 65 knots. During the landing, a hard bump was felt, and the aircraft jerked to the left. The pilot applied full power to soften the subsequent landing and attempted to keep the wings level. Another loud bump was felt, and the aircraft departed the runway to the left into long grass. The pilot reduced throttle and applied brakes. Before the aircraft came to a stop, the nose wheel struck a ditch, causing the nose to tilt forward; the aircraft then settled back onto its main wheels.
Aftermath
Following the accident, the pilot immediately notified Lowveld Information via radio. Fuel began pouring into the cockpit, prompting the pilot to close the throttle, select the magnetos off, and cut electrical power. All four occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. With assistance, the aircraft was pushed backwards a few meters out of the ditch to level the wings and reduce fuel leaking from the right-hand tank.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft after the nose wheel struck a termite mound on landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway.