Synopsis
On 15 March 2001, a Cessna 172 H (registration ZS-ERA) operated by a student pilot on a solo navigation training flight crashed approximately 25 nautical miles west of Klerksdorp, South Africa. The pilot was the sole occupant and was killed in the accident.
Flight History
The student pilot departed Potchefstroom at 1220Z with a planned route to Parys, Kroonstad, Klerksdorp, and back to Potchefstroom. He landed at Parys, where the aircraft was refueled to capacity. At 1310Z, he departed Parys to continue the navigation flight.
Accident Sequence
At approximately 1515Z, a farmer observed an aircraft flying extremely low in a westerly direction near his property. About five minutes later, he heard a loud thud and discovered the aircraft had crashed approximately 50 meters south of his house.
Investigation Findings
The accident site was located at coordinates S26°44.826' E26°13.593', which placed the aircraft 13° left of its planned track and 25 nautical miles northwest of Klerksdorp, the last turning point. Meteorological conditions at the time were reported as fine, with CAVOK conditions.
The pilot held a valid student pilot license with a total of 35.25 flying hours, all on the accident aircraft type.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined that for some unknown reason, the student pilot intentionally deviated from his planned route and lost control of the aircraft during a turn.