What happened
On 07 April 2000, a Cessna 177, registration ZS-RAP, was conducting a private flight from Saldanha to Fisantekraal. During the landing phase at Fisantekraal, the pilot attempted to touch down on runway 32. Just before the aircraft reached the ground, the right-hand wing experienced a sudden, sharp upward movement. This aerodynamic disturbance prevented the pilot from implementing effective corrective maneuvers, leading to a total loss of directional control. Consequently, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway, exiting the paved surface and colliding with nearby vegetation. The impact caused damage to the left wing and the left undercarriage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the landing roll and the pilot's actions. The investigation focused on the flight path and the mechanical behavior of the aircraft during the final moments before touchdown. The inquiry established that the aircraft was operating under CAVOK weather conditions, with no significant meteorological obstructions to visibility. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was flying under a private license and had 11.4 hours of experience on this specific aircraft type.