What happened
On October 12, 2002, a Cessna 172N, registration ZS-MYS, was conducting a private flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome to Lichtenburg Aerodrome. The flight, carrying two occupants, approached the airfield from the northeast and joined the overhead pattern.
As the pilot prepared to land on Runway 36, the aircraft encountered unexpected wind conditions. While the primary windsock near the end of the paved runway suggested a wind suitable for a Runway 36 landing, a secondary, smaller windsock located near the grass cross-runway indicated a significant north-easterly crosswind. The pilot did not observe this second windsock before commencing the approach.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft performed a normal final approach but ballooned upon the flare. In an attempt to correct the flight path, the pilot applied power; however, this resulted in a loss of directional control. The aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline, where the left wing struck a tree. The impact caused the aircraft to swing around and ultimately come to rest on its back.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the excursion at Lichtenburg Aerodrome. The investigation focused on the meteorological indicators present at the airfield and the pilot's actions during the landing flare. The inquiry confirmed that while the weather was generally clear (CAVOK), the pilot's failure to note the secondary windsock meant the true crosswind component was not accounted for during the landing execution.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing flare.
- The pilot failed to observe the smaller windsock, which accurately indicated a north-easterly crosswind.
- The aircraft ballooned during the flare, and the subsequent application of power contributed to the loss of control.
- There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.