Cessna 172N Runway Excursion at Rustenburg Aerodrome (ZS-OHN)

Incident Overview and Flight History On 21 August 2018, a Textron Aviation Cessna C172N, registration ZS-OHN, was involved in a runway excursion at Rustenburg Aerodrome (FARG). The aircraft, operated under Part 91 private regulations, departed Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) at 1230Z with a private pilot and two passengers. The planned route included stops at FARG and Thabazimbi Aerodrome (FATI) before returning to FAWB. ## Operational Details and Accident Sequence The pilot arrived at FARG and elected to perform a touch-and-go on runway 34. Following a normal touchdown, the pilot delayed applying full power for approximately five seconds to allow the shimmy damper to stop vibrating, resulting in the loss of 547 feet of runway. At approximately 60 knots, with 300 meters of runway remaining, the pilot rotated prematurely. The aircraft failed to achieve a positive rate of climb, leading the pilot to abort the take-off. The aircraft landed back on the remaining runway but overshot the end, breaking through the perimeter fence and coming to rest near an informal settlement. ## Contributing Factors and Damage The investigation identified that the aircraft was operating above its maximum take-off and landing mass limits. The pilot used an unapproved weight and balance chart and underestimated the passengers' mass, leading to an estimated take-off weight of 2,352 lb, exceeding the 2,300 lb limit. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings, propeller, fuselage, and nose gear. All three occupants sustained minor injuries. The probable cause was determined to be a premature rotation that prevented the aircraft from entering a positive rate of climb.