What happened
On November 9, 2002, a CessNA 172K, registered ZS-KJX, was conducting a private flight from Vryburg to a private airstrip located at Tosca. During the approach to the strip, the aircraft encountered a significant crosswind, measured at approximately 15 to 20 knots from the northwest.
As the pilot attempted to land, the aircraft experienced a sudden nose-up pitch. In an effort to correct the attitude, the pilot pushed the nose forward and increased engine power. However, the correction was insufficient to prevent a heavy impact, and the aircraft struck the ground forcefully on its nose wheel. The force of the impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, resulting in the aircraft nosed over on the runway.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were otherwise clear, though the wind component was a primary factor in the landing sequence.
Regarding the maintenance status of the Cessna 172K, records indicated that the aircraft had been maintained according to prescribed intervals. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was within its maintenance window, with the next mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) not due until April 2003. The aircraft had flown 86 hours since its previous inspection.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of aircraft control during a landing performed in a 15-20 knot crosswind.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage due to the structural failure of the nose gear.
- There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.