Accident Overview
On 25 July 2001, a Cessna 172E registered as ZS-DSS was involved in an accident near Tosca on the Vryburg Road. The aircraft was operated under training by a student pilot with a total of 35.25 flying hours, including 34.25 hours on type. The pilot held a valid student license and was conducting his second solo navigation flight.
Flight Details
The planned route was from Klerksdorp Aerodrome to Lichtenburg, DelaReyville, Bloemhof, and returning to Klerksdorp. The departure and intended landing were both at Klerksdorp Aerodrome. The flight departed at 1105Z. Meteorological conditions were reported as CAVOK (ceiling and visibility okay).
Accident Sequence
During the navigation exercise, the student pilot made a calculation error on the flight logsheet. The correct compass heading from DelaReyville to Bloemhof was 190°, but the student entered 290° on the log. After approximately one hour of flying, the pilot became unsure of his position and decided to execute a precautionary landing on a road to determine his location. During the landing roll on the road, the right-hand wing made contact with a road sign, causing the aircraft to veer to the right off the road. The aircraft then collided with trees and bushes adjacent to the road.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority stated the probable cause: "After a calculation error on his flightlog, the student pilot steered a heading of 290°M instead of 190°M and became unsure of his position. During the precautionary landing on a road the right-hand wing of the aircraft impacted a road sign and the aircraft veered off the road, colliding with trees and bushes."
Aircraft and Occupant Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 172E, carried only the student pilot. The report recorded no injuries and no fatalities.
Registration and Operator
The aircraft registration is ZS-DSS. The flight was classified as training.