History of Flight
On 12 December 2017 at approximately 0735Z, a Cessna 177RG registration ZS-JMV departed from Eagle's Creek Aviation Estate in Gauteng Province for a private flight to Wonderboom Airport (FAWB). The pilot, a 38-year-old private pilot with 178.9 total flying hours and 13.6 hours on type, was accompanied by two passengers. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions with good weather.
During the initial take-off run on runway 08, the engine backfired and the pilot aborted the take-off, taxiing back to the holding point. After suspecting plug fouling, the pilot set RPM at 2000 and leaned the mixture to clear the plugs. He then commenced a second take-off run at 0730Z, electing to extend the take-off roll and rotate at 70 knots.
Shortly after becoming airborne, the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot lowered the nose to increase airspeed and prevent a stall. He observed high voltage power lines directly ahead and descended to fly under them, successfully clearing the first set. Approximately 650 metres beyond, a second set of power lines was encountered. The pilot attempted to fly under these as well, but the vertical stabiliser struck the wires.
Controlling the aircraft, the pilot executed a forced landing on a private farm ahead. During the landing, the nose wheel collided with a perimeter fence, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest inverted. The aircraft came to a stop 85 metres from the second set of power lines.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 177RG, had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness expiring 22 August 2018. The last mandatory periodic inspection was performed on 20 July 2017 at 2136 airframe hours; the aircraft had flown 12.4 hours since then, with total airframe time at 2148.5 hours. The engine had last been overhauled on 24 April 2000, and a boroscope inspection in June 2017 noted slight corrosion, visible oil, and carbon buildup. The aircraft had exceeded the manufacturer's recommended 12-year overhaul interval.
The pilot held a valid private pilot licence and medical certificate, with the Cessna 177RG endorsed on his licence. He had flown nine flights to and from Eagle's Creek between July and December 2017 and was familiar with the airfield.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the tail section, fuselage, nose wheel, propeller, windscreen, left and right wings. None of the three occupants were injured.
Investigative Findings
The weight and balance calculated before the flight showed a take-off weight of 2620.8 pounds, below the maximum take-off weight of 2800 pounds. However, the zero fuel weight of 2506.5 pounds exceeded the maximum of 2434 pounds. Performance calculations indicated that at a temperature of 23°C and density altitude of 6620 feet, the aircraft required a ground roll of approximately 1460 metres to take off. The runway at Eagle's Creek is 850 metres long.
The investigation found it likely that the aircraft took off before reaching the required take-off speed. This resulted in the stall warning horn, and in an attempt to prevent a stall, the pilot lowered the nose. During that manoeuvre, the first set of power lines was avoided, but the vertical stabiliser struck the second set. The pilot then executed a forced landing that ended with the nose gear hitting a fence, causing the aircraft to nose over.