History of Flight
On 26 May 2008, at 0730Z, a Cessna R182 (registration ZS-LBP) was on a cross-country navigational test flight from Vereeniging Aerodrome to Rustenburg Aerodrome, with planned further legs to Potchefstroom and back to Vereeniging. The flight instructor was the pilot-in-command and the student pilot was the pilot-flying. Runway 16 was selected for landing at Rustenburg, and full flaps were deployed. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The student pilot then applied maximum power to perform a go-around. The aircraft stalled, the left wing dropped, and the wing impacted the grass surface to the left of Runway 16. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted approximately 30 metres from the runway edge.
Injuries
The flight instructor sustained minor injuries to both hands. The student pilot was not injured.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The nose wheel broke off during impact and was found about four metres from the wreckage. Damage included the landing gear, propeller, left wing, right wing, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and fuselage.
Personnel Information
The flight instructor, aged 63, held a Commercial Pilot Licence with Instructor and Instrument ratings, and had 4300 total flying hours, with 150 hours on type. The student pilot, aged 39, held a Student Pilot Licence and had 55.5 total flying hours, all on type. This flight was the student’s final test.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 1981 Cessna R182 (serial number R182-01721) with a Lycoming O-540 engine and McCauley propeller. Total airframe hours at the time were 2240.5. The last maintenance inspection was at 2182.7 hours on 05 July 2007. The aircraft was fuelled with Avgas 100LL to capacity and had approximately 200 litres remaining at the accident.
Meteorological Information
The wind was from 220–240° at 5–10 knots, temperature 18°C, no cloud cover, and good visibility. The wind direction relative to Runway 16 indicated crosswind conditions.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft came to rest inverted on grass about 30 metres left of Runway 16. The cabin area was not damaged, and both occupants were properly restrained by safety harnesses, which prevented serious injuries. No fire occurred.
Probable Cause
The aircraft bounced on landing and the instructor was unable to intervene in time to prevent the aircraft from stalling when the student applied power to go around.