Accident Overview
On 1 October 2015, a Cessna 175 (registration ZS-CJV) operated by African Wings (PTY) LTD sustained substantial damage during a landing accident at Weltevrede airstrip in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The pilot, accompanied by two passengers, was conducting a scenic flight under Part 135 commercial operations. The flight departed from Weltevrede, routed via Pearly Bay and Gansbaai, and returned to the airstrip.
Flight History
Upon arrival at Weltevrede, the pilot joined the pattern from the south at 1,600 feet AGL for a left downwind to runway 11. On final approach at approximately 50 feet AGL, the pilot observed a large bird (Hadida Ibis) on the left side of the approach path, flying directly toward the aircraft. To avoid a collision, the pilot executed a sharp descent. The aircraft passed below the bird, but the nose wheel caught on a telephone cable spanning the runway, located 580 meters from the threshold of runway 11. The cable broke and became entangled around the nose gear oleo.
Landing Sequence
The aircraft touched down in a nose-high attitude and bounced. The second touchdown occurred left of the runway, where the aircraft entered a shallow storm water drainage ditch on the left side of the runway. The nose wheel broke off, and the aircraft gently flipped onto its back before coming to rest. The pilot switched off the master switch, magnetos, and fuel, then disembarked and assisted the passengers out of the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
Neither the pilot nor the two passengers sustained any injuries. The aircraft, however, suffered substantial damage, including to the propeller, cowling, fuselage, nose wheel, vertical stabilizer, wings, and wing support struts. The telephone cable was also damaged.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, aged 52, held a valid commercial pilot license with a type rating for the Cessna 175 and a valid medical certificate. He had 4,381 total flying hours, with 1,480 hours on type. The aircraft, manufactured in 1959, had a total of 5,551.03 airframe hours and was properly maintained. The weather at the time was fine, with wind from 090° at 5 knots, visibility greater than 10 km, and clear skies.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted that the pilot did not follow the unmanned aerodrome procedure of joining overhead at 2,000 feet above field elevation. The pilot failed to look out for the telephone cable, resulting in the collision. The aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders, which were not required by regulations.