Cessna 182 crashes at Mpumalanga private airstrip following unstable approach

Casualties unknown • Berlin private strip in Mpumalanga, ZA

A private flight involving a Cessna 182 ended in an inverted ground impact at a Berlin private strip after the pilot attempted to land from an unstable approach.

What happened

On 28 August 2012, a Cessna 182K, registration ZS-ERF, was conducting a private flight from Nelspruit Aerodrome to a private airstrip near Berlin, Mpumalanga. During the landing phase at the Berlin strip, the pilot initiated a flare too high above the runway surface. This maneuver triggered the aircraft's stall warning horn.

In an attempt to recover from the near-stall, the pilot increased engine power and lowered the aircraft's nose. However, the aircraft ballooned and subsequently impacted the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce and veer toward the right side of the runway, where it struck a boundary fence. The force of the impact caused the nose wheel to collapse and the aircraft to nose over, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.

The investigation

The SACAA AIID investigation examined the flight history, maintenance records, and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial pilot license and a medical certificate. Furthermore, maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had been properly maintained, with the most recent mandatory periodic inspection completed according to regulations.

Meteorological data showed clear skies and good visibility of 10km, with a light north-easterly wind. The investigation noted that the landing strip in question typically utilizes a single landing direction regardless of wind, often involving an uphill approach. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft was equipped with all necessary approved navigation and communication equipment and that no mechanical defects were reported prior to the event.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot proceeded to land from an unstable approach.
  • The pilot's high flare maneuver led to a stall warning and subsequent loss of control during the landing sequence.
  • The aircraft's nose wheel collapsed upon impact with the ground, contributing to the aircraft'turning and inversion.
  • Weather conditions were favorable and were not a contributing factor to the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot attempting to land the aircraft while in an unstable approach, leading to an excessive flare and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-08-28 Cessna C182 accident near Berlin private strip in Mpumalanga, ZA?

A private flight involving a Cessna 182 ended in an inverted ground impact at a Berlin private strip after the pilot attempted to land from an unstable approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-08-28 involved a Cessna C182, registration ZS-ERF, at Berlin private strip in Mpumalanga, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot attempting to land the aircraft while in an unstable approach, leading to an excessive flare and subsequent loss of control.

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