What happened
On the morning of 1 April 2025, a Cessna 152 with registration ZS-KSL was conducting a recurrent training flight from Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) in KwaZulu-Natal. The flight, involving a flight instructor and a pilot, was intended to support the renewal of the pilot's Private Pilot Licence. After completing several exercises in the general flying area, the crew returned to the aerodrome to perform circuit training.
During a touch-and-go landing attempt on Runway 05, the aircraft encountered windshear at approximately 250 feet above ground level. In response to the weather disturbance, the instructor directed the pilot to increase engine power. However, the throttle failed to respond as expected, feeling as though it had jammed. This lack of thrust caused the aircraft to enter an uncommand to descent, ultimately impacting treetops at the Beachwood Golf Course, roughly 300 metres short of the runway threshold. The aircraft came to rest upright in the trees. Both occupants sustained minor injuries and were treated at a hospital before being released.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's mechanical systems to determine why the engine failed to provide additional thrust. The investigation included a thorough inspection of the throttle control cable, the carburettor, and the fuel supply. Testing of the fuel gascolator revealed no signs of contamination, and the carburettor was found to be in good working order with adequate fuel present.
Findings
- The investigation established that the throttle friction nut inside the cockpit was overly tightened, which significantly restricted the movement of the throttle control cable and prevented the pilot from commanding the necessary power.
- The aircraft's engine was found to be in good condition, and the propeller rotated without restriction.
- Evidence from the starter Bendix gear, which remained engaged, suggested an attempt was made to restart the engine while it was at a low RPM.
- The aircraft was within its maximum weight limits at the time of the accident.