Cessna 172K Runway Departure at Grand Central Aerodrome (ZS-FUD)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 9 September 2007, a Cessna 172K with registration ZS-FUD departed the runway during a landing at Grand Central Aerodrome. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot for circuit-and-landing exercises. The pilot had not flown for four weeks and was practicing to maintain proficiency. The accident occurred at the end of the pilot's first circuit, approximately one hour after he had obtained his private pilot's licence. ## Meteorological and Operational Conditions At the time of the accident, the weather was clear with a visibility of CAVOK. The wind was recorded at 050° at 9 knots, with a temperature of 20°C. The pilot reported an indicated airspeed of 70 mph on final approach and noted a crosswind before continuing with the landing. The aircraft was cleared by air traffic control for landing on Runway 35. ## Sequence of Events and Impact The pilot reported a normal touchdown, but a sudden gust of wind from the right caused the right wing to lift and the aircraft to veer to the right. Despite corrective action, the aircraft moved off the runway. The right wing collided with a perimeter fence pole, and the aircraft passed through the fence, coming to rest on the other side facing west. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, right wing, fuselage, and wheel spats. A section of the aerodrome boundary fence was also damaged. ## Investigation Findings and Probable Cause The investigation found that the aircraft was serviceable prior to the accident, with no recorded malfunctions or defects. The pilot held a valid private pilot's licence with the type endorsed and a valid class 1 medical certificate. The probable cause was determined to be the pilot's loss of directional control during landing in crosswind conditions, leading to a collision with the perimeter fence. A contributory factor was the pilot's lack of experience landing in crosswind conditions.