Factual Information
On 16 June 2007 at 1440Z, a Flight Design CTSW (registration ZU-ECO) was involved in an accident at Brits Aerodrome, South Africa. The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot on a solo training flight. The pilot held a valid student pilot license and had 35.2 total flying hours, all on the accident aircraft type.
The flight originated from Aviators Paradise Aerodrome, with the intended destination being Brits Aerodrome. The weather at the time was wind southerly at 5 knots, temperature 17°C, and visibility CAVOK.
The aircraft had a valid Authority to Fly issued on 19 October 2006, and its last annual inspection was certified on 8 June 2007 at 328 airframe hours, with 42 hours flown since that inspection. The Approved Person who certified the inspection held valid accreditation. The operating flying school held a valid Aviation Training Organisation Approval Certificate.
Narrative
The pilot, accompanied by an instructor, departed Aviators Paradise and flew three circuits there. The instructor then permitted the pilot to fly solo circuits and landing exercises at Brits Aerodrome, noting its runway was wider. At Brits, the pilot completed one circuit and landing on Runway 02 without incident.
On the second circuit, the pilot executed a touch-and-go landing but landed to the left of the runway centre line. The left main wheel departed the runway surface, producing a noise. Startled, the pilot froze at the controls, with his left foot pressing the left rudder pedal fully. He then applied full power to initiate a go-around. The aircraft became airborne and climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground level, but continued veering left. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite aileron using the control stick but was unable to arrest the leftward drift. The aircraft subsequently impacted a jungle gym and fence adjacent to the clubhouse.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was admitted to hospital with minor injuries. The aircraft sustained extensive damage upon impact.
Probable Cause
Unsuccessful go-around.
Contributory: Error in judgement with regard to the fact that the pilot inadvertently applied the wrong technique when he flew cross controls.