Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 182T, registration ZS-AJF. It held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness expiring 26 January 2007 and a Certificate of Registration issued 14 September 2005. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection was certified on 15 February 2006 at 160.0 airframe hours, with an additional 18.7 hours accrued since. All applicable Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives were complied with as per the previous inspection.
The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License and a non-restricted medical certificate expiring 31 January 2007. Total flying experience was 3642.0 hours, with 319.8 hours on type. The pilot was 43 years old.
Accident Narrative
On 29 August 2006 at 1230Z, the pilot was conducting a private flight from a private aerodrome on Wilgerivier farm (between Vaalwater and Thabazimbi) to Pietersburg Aerodrome. The pilot backtracked on runway 16 to take off in the same direction. During the turn to line up, he applied full power, but the aircraft turned too wide. The left main wheel contacted a small mound approximately 15 cm high on the verge of the runway, about 10 meters from the turning point. The aircraft swerved left off the runway. The pilot applied right rudder to regain directional control but was unsuccessful.
Investigation Findings
The on-site investigation revealed that the pilot executed the line-up turn from a point approximately 200–300 meters before reaching the threshold of runway 16.
Meteorological Conditions
Surface wind was westerly, light and variable. Temperature was 20°C, visibility more than 10 km, with clouds at 5000–6000 feet.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the undercarriage and the propeller. The pilot and three passengers sustained no injuries.
Probable Cause
Aircraft Accident Report: CA18/2/3/8169, dated 29 August 2006.