What happened
On 18 June 2005, a Cessna 172, registration ZS-LHK, was engaged in a cross-country training flight intended to build hours for a commercial pilot license. The flight originated from Progress Flight Academy in Port Elizabeth, with a planned route including stops at Willowmore, Knysna, Sedgefield, and Wilderness, before returning to the academy.
While the weather conditions were initially reported as favorable, wind speeds increased significantly as the aircraft approached the coastal regions. By the time the aircraft reached Wilderness, surface winds were recorded at 360 degrees with speeds between 35 and 50 knots. During the initial landing attempt at George Aerodrome on Runway 02, the aircraft became airborne upon touchdown, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around. A second landing attempt was successful.
Following the landing, the pilot was cleared to backtrack and taxi toward the apron. However, while maneuvering on taxiway "A", a powerful gust of wind struck the aircraft, causing it to be blown over. Although the two occupants escaped without injury, the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the vertical stabilizer, and both wings.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators reviewed the meteorological data and the flight sequence. The investigation confirmed that while the flight school's policy prohibits take-offs during strong winds, the weather conditions deteriorated significantly during the flight itself. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the last maintenance inspection had been completed on 25 May 2005, with only 37.4 hours flown since that check. The investigation also verified that the flight school held a valid Approved Training Organization certificate and that the maintenance organization was properly certified.