Accident
On 24 April 2003, a Cessna 172K (ZS-NET) was conducting a solo training flight at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC). The student pilot had previously completed approximately three dual circuits with an instructor, after which the instructor deemed him suitable for solo circuit consolidation training and observed from the control tower. The pilot was cleared for a touch-and-go landing on runway 35. During the landing, he retracted the flaps and applied full power for the go-around. According to his account, he anticipated a yaw to the left and applied right rudder. The aircraft then yawed to the right, and he corrected with left rudder. Subsequently, the aircraft veered sharply left off the runway. The pilot applied the brakes but was unable to stop before the left wing collided with the Sapphire Air office building. The aircraft came to rest approximately 10 meters from the building after traveling down an embankment about 1.5 meters high. The pilot was uninjured and was assisted from the aircraft by a Sapphire Air employee.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172K, registration ZS-NET. The pilot held a student pilot license and was 45 years old. He had accumulated 41.9 total flying hours, all on the same aircraft type. His license was valid.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were fine. Wind was from 020° at 10 knots, and the temperature was 22°C.
Probable Cause
According to the accident report, the probable cause involves two alternative scenarios. The first scenario is that the pilot overcorrected for the anticipated yaw to the right by applying substantial left rudder, which resulted in a loss of directional control at full or nearly full power. The pilot was unable to take appropriate corrective action in time, allowing the aircraft to collide with the building. The second scenario is that the pilot applied substantially more left brake pressure than rudder to compensate for yaw, causing the aircraft to veer to the left and depart the runway. The report also notes that excessive braking was observed on the ground path prior to impact, and that the pilot failed to close the throttle before colliding with the building.