Accident
On 27 April 2001, a Cessna 152 registered ZS-LIA was involved in an accident at Glentana farm strip, approximately 3 nautical miles east of Henry's Flats, South Africa. The aircraft was being flown by a student pilot on a solo navigation training exercise. The flight had originated from Grahams Town (FAGT) with Henry's Flats (FAHF) as the intended destination. The student had previously flown the same navigation exercise and had been unable to locate FAHF. During this second attempt, he again failed to find the airfield and instead landed on an incorrect airfield, later identified as Glentana farm strip.
Despite being unsure whether the strip was suitable for takeoff, the student attempted to depart. After starting the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to reach sufficient speed for rotation. The student decided to abort the takeoff. In an attempt to avoid colliding with the boundary fence, he veered to the right, subsequently lost control, and the aircraft crashed. The runway surface was covered with long grass, which likely affected acceleration.
The aircraft sustained extensive damage, and the boundary fence was substantially damaged. The student held a valid student pilot licence, was endorsed for the aircraft type, and the flight was duly authorised. According to maintenance records, the aircraft had been correctly maintained. Weather conditions were reported as fine at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Information
- Type: Cessna 152
- Registration: ZS-LIA
- Operator: Not specified (training flight)
- Maintenance: Correctly maintained according to records
Pilot Information
- Licence Type: Student
- Total Flying Hours: 46.6
- Hours on Type: 46.6
- Licence Valid: Yes
Probable Cause
The aircraft probably failed to gain speed as a result of the long grass.