Accident
On 6 November 2001 at 1330Z, a Cessna 185A (registration ZS-CTU) was conducting a private landing on Runway 31, a grass runway at Bethlehem, South Africa. The weather was fine with a 15-knot westerly wind. During landing on the wet soft grass after recent rains, the aircraft skidded and the nose pitched forward. The aircraft overturned, causing substantial damage, but the pilot escaped unhurt. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 185A, registration ZS-CTU. The pilot held a commercial pilot licence and was operating the flight under private operations. The pilot was 23 years old with 832 total flying hours, including 146 hours on type. The aircraft was maintained as prescribed; the next mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) was due on 28 August 2002 or at 6251.87 flying hours, whichever occurred first. The aircraft had been operated for 16.7 hours since the last MPI.
Meteorological Information
The weather was fine with a 15-knot westerly wind.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was stated as: "Due to the wet soft grass runway the pilot lost control of the aircraft during landing and the aircraft overturned."