History of Flight
On the morning of 1 April 2025, a Grade II flight instructor and a pilot were conducting a recurrency training flight in a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration ZS-KSL, operated by AAA 4 Pilots Flight School. The flight departed from Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, with the intention of returning to the same aerodrome. The training was aimed at renewing the pilot's Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
The air traffic control (ATC) officer reported that the aircraft departed Runway 05 with a fuel endurance of four hours. It then proceeded to the designated general flying area (GFA) for training exercises. The flight instructor stated that exercises were completed successfully at approximately 3 500 feet south of the Illovo River, after which the aircraft routed back to FAVG. Visibility was about 10 kilometres.
Approximately 40 minutes after departure, the crew returned to FAVG for circuit training and touch-and-go landing exercises. The first touch-and-go on Runway 05 was executed successfully with stage two flaps selected. The aircraft then climbed to 500 feet above ground level (AGL), joined the right-side circuit, and levelled at 800 feet. On the downwind leg, all checks and procedures for a flapless landing were completed. The crew requested to conduct another touch-and-go landing on Runway 05. On final approach, the ATC officer cleared the crew for a touch-and-go landing. The aircraft approached with flaps down and impacted treetops at Beachwood Golf Course, approximately 300 metres short of the Runway 05 threshold.
Injuries to Persons
Both the flight instructor and the pilot sustained minor injuries. They were taken to a hospital for further examination after receiving first aid at the scene and were released the same day.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence.
Other Damage
No other damage was reported.
Personnel Information
The flight instructor held a Grade II instructor rating. The pilot was undergoing recurrency training for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Detailed personnel information was not provided in the preliminary report.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 152, registration ZS-KSL. It was operated by AAA 4 Pilots Flight School. Further aircraft information was not disclosed in this preliminary report.
Meteorological Information
Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day prevailed, with visibility approximately 10 kilometres.
Aids to Navigation
No navigation aids were reported as factors.
Communications
The ATC officer provided clearance for the touch-and-go landing on Runway 05.
Aerodrome Information
Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province. Runway 05 was in use. The accident site was approximately 300 metres from the threshold of Runway 05, at Beachwood Golf Course.
Flight Recorders
No flight recorders were mentioned in the preliminary report.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft impacted treetops and came to rest upright amidst trees. It sustained substantial damage.
Medical and Pathological Information
No pathological information was provided. Both occupants sustained minor injuries.
Fire
There was no fire.
Survival Aspects
Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft and received first aid. The Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting team was dispatched to the scene.
Tests and Research
No tests or research results were mentioned in this preliminary report.
Organisational and Management Information
The operator was AAA 4 Pilots Flight School, an approved Part 141 Aviation Training Organisation.
Additional Information
This is a preliminary report issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division. The investigation is ongoing.
Findings
The investigation is in progress; no findings have been published.
On-Going Investigation
The investigation continues to determine the circumstances of the accident.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations have been issued in this preliminary report.