History of Flight
On 28 August 2012, a Cessna Aircraft Company 182K, registration ZS-ERF, departed Nelspruit Aerodrome (FANS) for a private flight to Berlin private strip in Mpumalanga. According to the pilot, during the approach for landing at Berlin, he rounded off too high, and the stall warning horn sounded. In response, the pilot increased engine power and lowered the nose of the aircraft to prevent stalling. The aircraft then impacted the ground, bounced, and veered to the right side of the runway. It subsequently impacted the boundary fence, and the nose wheel collapsed as the aircraft passed through the fence. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
Injuries to Persons
Both occupants—the pilot and one passenger—sustained minor injuries. No fatalities occurred.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The nose wheel collapsed upon ground contact, and the airframe was inverted.
Personnel Information
The pilot, a 27-year-old male, held a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with a type endorsement for the Cessna 182 and an instrument rating. His total flying experience was 346.4 hours, with 18.5 hours on type. The last medical certificate was valid until 31 August 2012. The pilot reported no previous accidents.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 182K (serial number 182-57661), manufactured in 1967. It was powered by a Continental O-470-R engine (serial number 133033) with 3,521 hours since new and 257.5 hours since overhaul. The propeller was a McCauley 2A34C66-N (serial number 7710392). The last mandatory periodic inspection was conducted on 9 July 2012 at 3,521 airframe hours. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was operated under Standard Part 135.
Meteorological Information
Surface wind was north-easterly at 6 knots. Visibility was 10 km, temperature 23°C, and cloud cover nil.
Wreckage and Impact Information
During the landing, the pilot flared off too high, resulting in the aircraft contacting the ground nose-first. After bouncing, it veered to the right side of the runway and collided with the boundary fence. The nose wheel broke off, and the aircraft came to rest inverted.
Probable Cause
The pilot proceeded to land from unstable approach.