History of Flight
On 21 March 2017 at 13:00Z, a student pilot departed Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA) for a solo training flight to the general flying area. No flight plan was filed. The aircraft had 23 gallons of fuel on board. The purpose of the flight was to practice steep turns and a simulated forced landing. The pilot executed three steep turns to the right and two to the left, followed by three stall exercises. At approximately 6500 feet (AMSL), he initiated a simulated forced landing by applying carburetor heat, reducing power, and trimming for 65 knots.
At about 400 to 500 feet above ground level, he turned carburetor heat off, added power, and retracted flaps to 10°. He noticed the power and airspeed were too low to climb. He flew straight and level over an open field to regain airspeed, but airspeed, power, and altitude decreased. He identified another field suitable for landing and continued with the forced landing. During this maneuver, the right-hand wing tip inadvertently clipped a tree before the aircraft impacted the ground. The pilot evacuated the aircraft shortly before it caught fire. Rescuers arrived but could not extinguish the fire. The police were notified, and the pilot was taken to hospital for assessment.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a valid student pilot licence with 40.2 total flying hours, all on type. He was 19 years old, male, and medically fit with no restrictions. He had no previous accidents.
Aircraft Information
- Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company
- Model: 172N
- Registration: ZS-MYS
- Serial Number: 172-72250
- Year of Manufacture: 1979
- Total Airframe Hours: 9636.2 at time of accident
- Last MPI: 10 March 2017 (32.2 hours prior)
- Engine: Lycoming I0-320-E2D, 150 HP, no abnormalities found
- Propeller: McCauley 1C160/DTM 7553
- Maintenance records indicated proper maintenance with no reported defects.
Meteorological Information
Surface wind was 090° at 8 knots, visibility greater than 10 km, no cloud cover, temperature not specified.
Location
The accident occurred near Hekpoort at Oostermoed farm, elevation 1323 m, during daylight conditions.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft was heading north during the simulated forced landing. The right wing tip contacted a tree, then the aircraft impacted the ground, skidded approximately 700 m, and came to rest facing south. The aircraft was destroyed by post-impact fire.
Injuries
The pilot sustained minor injuries. No other persons were on board.
Survival
The pilot evacuated the aircraft before it caught fire. The accident was considered survivable.
Tests and Research
Examination revealed no structural or airframe failure. The engine was dismantled and no abnormalities were found. Magnetos were bench tested and satisfactory.
Organizational Information
The Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) and the Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) held valid certificates.