What happened
On 12 January 2018, a student pilot was conducting a solo navigation flight in a Jabiru JABI-SP4LE (registration ZU-CIA). The flight plan involved departing from Rhino Park and performing touch-and-go landings at both Wonderboom Airfield and Middelburg Airfield before returning to the origin.
While performing the landing at Middelburg Airfield (FAMB) on Runway 11, the pilot experienced a difficult touchdown that caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway. In an effort to maintain the runway centerline, the pilot applied right rudder, which inadvertently worsened the directional deviation. Fearing that applying brakes would further destabilize the aircraft, the pilot opted to apply full power in an attempt to transition into a takeoff. However, the aircraft failed to remain on the runway, exited the paved surface, and entered a ditch. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID investigation confirmed that the pilot was operating under a valid student pilot license with 14.3 total flight hours, including 5.3 hours on this specific aircraft type. This flight represented the pilot's second solo navigation mission.
Technical inspections of the Jabiru JABI-SP470 revealed that the aircraft was well-maintained according to manufacturer standards. At the time of the incident, the airframe had 6790.9 hours, and the most recent mandatory periodic inspection had been completed approximately 23 days prior. No mechanical defects were reported or found to have contributed to the event. Meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, with clear visibility and light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the loss of directional control following an unstable touchdown.
- The pilot's use of improper technique, specifically the application of right rudder which exacerbated the veer, contributed to the excursion.
- The decision to apply full power to attempt a takeoff after losing the runway centerline led to the aircraft entering the ditch and subsequent inversion.