What happened
On 4 March 2008, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight from Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng Province. The flight was intended to be a routine exercise in the General Flying Area to practice precautionary and forced landing maneuvers.
As the Cessna 172K, registration ZS-NET, reached rotation speed of 65 knots on Runway 35, a sudden wind gust caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. To avoid an imminent collision with a nearby hangar, the pilot attempted a right-hand turn. This maneuver resulted in a loss of lift, causing the aircraft to strike the ground.
Following the initial impact, the aircraft bounced and careened into a parked Cessna 172, registration ZS-DAC, on the apron. The momentum of the collision threw the pilot forward, unintentionally pushing the power lever to full throttle. This surge of power directed the aircraft into a second collision with a parked Robinson R44 helicopter, registration ZS-PSZ, before the pilot could successfully apply the brakes and shut down the engine.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed the pilot to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed, medically fit, and authorized for the training flight. Furthermore, maintenance records for ZS-NET indicated the aircraft was properly maintained and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Technical analysis of the wreckage revealed that the left wing spar of the Cessna 172K had broken during the series of impacts. The investigation also noted that the pilot was wearing a safety harness, which, combined with the low impact forces on the cockpit, prevented any injuries to the pilot. The investigation found no mechanical defects or malfunctions in the aircraft'ability to fly prior to the wind-induced deviation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control immediately after takeoff due to a wind gust.
- The pilot's low level of flight experience contributed to the outcome.
- The use of incorrect takeoff techniques during crosswind conditions played a role in the loss of control.
- The aircraft ZS-NET was destroyed, while both ZS-DAC and ZS-PSZ sustained substantial damage.