Accident Details
On 12 October 2002, at 0840Z, a Cessna 172N, registration ZS-MYS, operated as a private flight, sustained damage in an accident at Lichtenburg Aerodrome. The aircraft was being flown by a 22-year-old private pilot with 122.7 total flying hours, all on type. The flight originated from Wonderboom Aerodrome with an intended destination of Lichtenburg Aerodrome. The aircraft carried the pilot and one passenger; no injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
The flight approached Lichtenburg Aerodrome from a north-easterly direction and joined overhead. The main windsock, located near the end of the main tar Runway 36, indicated that the surface wind favoured a landing on Runway 36. However, a smaller windsock situated next to the right-hand side of Runway 36 where the grass cross-runway starts indicated a crosswind from a north-easterly direction. The pilot did not notice this windsock.
The pilot elected to land on Runway 36. The final approach was normal, but during the flare the aircraft ballooned. The pilot applied some power but lost directional control in the crosswind conditions. The aircraft veered off the runway to the left, and the left-hand wing impacted a tree. This caused the aircraft to swing around and flip over onto its back.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at the time were fine, with CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK) conditions reported.
Probable Cause
The aircraft ballooned on landing during crosswind conditions and the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft.