What happened
On 12 December 2017, a Cessna 177RG, registration ZS-JMV, departed Eagle’s Creek Aviation Estate for a private flight to Wonderboom Airport with three people on board. The flight began with an aborted takeoff attempt after the pilot experienced an engine backfire. After attempting to clear the spark plugs by adjusting the mixture and RPM, the pilot initiated a second takeoff attempt.
Shortly after lifting off, the aircraft's stall warning horn activated. In an effort to regain airspeed and prevent a stall, the pilot pitched the nose downward. While successfully navigating under an initial set of high-tension power lines, the aircraft's vertical stabilizer struck a second set of lines located approximately 650m further along the flight path. The pilot then executed a forced landing on a nearby private farm. During the landing sequence, the aircraft's nose wheel struck a perimeter fence, causing the plane to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the occupants, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's performance and maintenance history. The investigation noted that the aircraft's zero fuel weight was higher than the recommended limit. Furthermore, while the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, the engine had not undergone a major overhaul since 2000, exceeding the manufacturer's recommended 12-year interval. The investigation also analyzed the runway length at Eagle’s Creek, noting that the required ground roll for takeoff at the prevailing density altitude was approximately 1460 meters, which exceeded the available 850-meter runway.
Findings
- The pilot likely initiated takeoff before reaching the necessary rotation speed for a safe climb.
- The pilot's attempt to increase airspeed by lowering the nose led to the collision with power lines.
- The primary cause of the aircraft's inversion was the impact with a perimeter fence during the forced landing.