Overview
On 24 October 1999 at 0940Z, a Cessna 152 registered ZS-KGH conducted a private flight from Cape Town International Airport. The pilot, holding a private pilot licence with 57.7 total flying hours, all on type, accompanied by one passenger, intended to return to the same airport.
Accident Details
While flying in the Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak area, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, causing the pilot to lose the ability to maintain altitude. The pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing on Noordhoek Beach. During the landing, the propeller struck the ground and the nose gear was extensively bent. Both the pilot and passenger disembarked without any injuries.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 160° at 23 knots, gusting to 30 knots.
Probable Cause
The pilot was unable to control the aircraft when he experienced strong wind and severe turbulence conditions while flying in the vicinity of Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak. He took evasive action and executed a precautionary landing on the beach with the propeller striking the ground and bending the nose gear.