What happened
On the night of 07 September 2015, a Cessna 172 N, registration ZS-NTP, was returning to Rand Airport (FAGM) following a routine flight intended for pilot hour building. The flight, which included a pilot and one passenger, was being conducted under visual meteorological conditions with favorable weather.
As the aircraft approached runway 29 for a full-stop landing, the pilot experienced a sudden vibration originating from the nose wheel immediately following touchdown. This vibration was accompanied by the aircraft veering toward the left side of the runway. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the deviation by applying right rudder, the aircraft could not be stabilized. The plane exited the paved surface and entered the adjacent grass area. During the excursion, the nose wheel became trapped in a hole, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest on its back. There were no injuries reported for the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the sequence of events and the physical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically affecting the propeller, spinner, wings, undercarriage, and vertical stabilizer. The inquiry focused on the mechanics of the touchdown and the subsequent loss of directional control.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a hard landing on all three wheels.
- This impact resulted in a loss of directional control, leading the aircraft to depart the runway.
- The subsequent inversion of the aircraft was triggered when the nose wheel struck a hole in the grass area.