CANADIAN C152 spin

Jim’s Note: The SACAA seem to have lost all but the newest and oldest accident reports. This is not a bad thing because I have found Canadian reports are excellent and have selected this one, because it deals with issues very relevant to South Africa – particularly density altitude, spinning, and post maintenance test flight

- JIM DAVIS

Background information

The accident aircraft had been damaged on a previous forced landing in July 2023. The wings were removed before it was transported via road to the maintenance facility. The left wing was reinstalled and a repaired replacement right wing was fitted.

History of the flight

On 28 August 2023, at Claresholm Industrial Aerodrome (60 nm S of Calgary) Canada, [after the rebuild] the aircraft was conditionally released by the AMO pending a satisfactory test flight for straight and level flight. The pilot would then provide the final signature to release the aircraft back into service.

At about 1600, during her preflight inspection, the pilot noticed a leak on the right fuel tank. The tanks were then filled to maximum capacity to troubleshoot the leak. After the leak was rectified, the aircraft was again conditionally released for the test flight.

The pilot occupied the right seat, which was the seat that she normally used when conducting aerial photography. After the run-up, the pilot taxied into position on Runway 03 and commenced the takeoff at 1928.

The aircraft was observed getting airborne in the first third of the runway (about a 1000-foot take-off roll) and commencing a shallow climb on the runway track. At about 1 nautical mile from the aerodrome, several eyewitnesses described the aircraft in a shallow climb and then turning sharply to the left before entering a steep turning descent.

The aircraft impacted the ground 5200 feet from the departure end of Runway 03 and 215 feet left of the extended centreline. The pilot received fatal injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. There was no post-impact fire.

Aircraft information