Accident Details
On 9 November 2002 at 1340Z, a Cessna 172K aircraft, registration ZS-KJX, was involved in an accident during landing at a private strip near Tosca (S25° 52.5’ E23° 57.4’). The aircraft departed Vryburg and was bound for the private strip. The flight was conducted under private operations.
Aircraft and Crew
The pilot held a valid private pilot license with 128 total flying hours, all on the Cessna 172K. The aircraft had been maintained as prescribed. The next mandatory periodic inspection was due on 23 April 2003 or at 4336.64 hours, whichever occurred first. Since the last inspection, the aircraft had operated for 86 hours.
Sequence of Events
During the landing, which involved a 30°, 15–20 knot crosswind from the north-west, the aircraft pitched nose-up. The pilot responded by checking the nose forward and applying power. However, the aircraft landed hard on the nose wheel. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft nosed over.
Injuries and Damage
There were no injuries to the two occupants (1+1). The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Probable Cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft during a crosswind landing.