What happened
On 22 May 2014, a Cessna 172N, registration ZS-JYV, was conducting a private flight near Heidelberg Aerodrome in Gauteng Province. The pilot, who was flying to accumulate hours toward a commercial pilot license, was accompanied by two student pilots. During the flight, the pilot began simulating a forced landing procedure within the general flying area.
While performing this maneuver, the aircraft was flying at a low altitude and heading directly into the sun. The aircraft's nose landing gear struck high-tension wires at an altitude of approximately 5.6 meters above ground level. Following the impact with the wires, the aircraft struck the ground in a nose-down attitude roughly 48 meters away from the electrical infrastructure. The impact destroyed the aircraft and damaged wooden pylons and electrical lines. The pilot and both passengers sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in a valid state for flight, with a current Certificate of Airworthiness and all control surfaces intact prior to the impact. The aircraft's weight and balance were within legal limits, and there was sufficient fuel on board for the intended mission.
Technical analysis of the wreckage showed that the destruction of the Cessna 172N was a direct result of the severe impact forces. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical malfunction or aircraft defect that could have contributed to the event. Meteorological data indicated fine weather conditions at the time of the accident, suggesting that environmental factors like wind or visibility were not primary contributors.
Findings
- The pilot's familiarity with the local flying area led to a state of complacency.
- The combination of low-altitude maneuvering and flying directly into the sun obscured the pilot's vision, preventing the detection of the high-tension wires.
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact with high-tension wires during the simulated forced landing maneuver.
- Contributing factors included poor flight technique and a failure to maintain an adequate lookout.