Cessna C177RG Runway Excursion at Stellenbosch Aerodrome (ZS-NNR)

Overview and Flight Details On 25 February 2007 at 0930Z, a Cessna C177RG registered ZS-NNR was conducting a private operation at Stellenbosch Aerodrome in the Western Cape. The pilot-in-command held a private pilot licence and had 42 total flying hours, with 2.5 hours on type as recorded by the CAA on 2 February 2007. The flight departed from and was intended to land at Stellenbosch Aerodrome. ## Accident Description The pilot reported that while conducting circuits and landings, he lost directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the propeller made contact with the ground. The accident resulted in damage to the nose wheel and propeller. ## Meteorological and Personnel Information Fine weather conditions were reported, with visibility CAVOK. There were two people on board: the pilot and one passenger. Neither the pilot nor the passenger was injured, and there were no fatalities. ## Maintenance and Investigation Notes The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) prior to the accident was certified on 23 August 2006 at 4,247 airframe hours. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated an additional 97 hours since that inspection. The Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) that certified the last MPI held a valid AMO Approval No. 182, with an expiry date of 28 February 2008. The pilot did not submit any questionnaires despite several contact attempts, and it appears he may have left the country. The investigation was conducted by postal means.