Accident Synopsis
On 16 November 2003 at 1245Z, a Cessna 177A, registration ZS-FJY, was involved in an accident at Ficksburg Aerodrome. The aircraft was on approach for runway 26 when the pilot deemed the approach too high and initiated a go-around. During the overshoot, the aircraft lacked sufficient speed to clear trees at the end of the runway. The undercarriage subsequently hooked a fence, causing the aircraft to crash into a ploughed field and nose over. The aircraft sustained extensive damage, but the three occupants were not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 177A (ZS-FJY), was type accepted in South Africa. All applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Service Bulletins (SBs) had been complied with. The last Maintenance Periodic Inspection (MPI) prior to the accident was carried out on 23 September 2003 at 4,218 airframe hours. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated 4,269.4 airframe hours, indicating 51.4 hours flown since the last MPI. The pilot held a valid commercial pilot licence with the aircraft type endorsed. The pilot had 46 total flying hours and 120 hours on type.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's account, the approach for landing on runway 26 was too high, prompting a go-around. During the overshoot, the aircraft's speed was insufficient to gain adequate altitude to clear the trees at the end of the runway. As a result, the undercarriage caught on a fence, leading to the crash in a ploughed field and the aircraft nosing over.
Probable Cause
The pilot failed to maintain landing approach altitude, which resulted in him landing deep. In an attempt for a go-around the undercarriage hooked the fence and crashed in a nose over attitude.