Incident Overview
An aircraft operating a flight from Skukuza to Pilanesberg encountered a hydraulic problem in flight, leading to a complete hydraulic failure. Despite the failure, the pilot executed a safe landing on Runway 23 at Pilanesberg. After touchdown, the pilot shut down both engines but continued along the runway heading for approximately 2,000 meters. The aircraft then veered to the left, left the runway, and entered a ditch located 75 meters from the runway edge, where it came to a stop.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained extensive damage, and the perimeter fence around the airport was substantially damaged. There were no injuries to occupants or personnel on the ground.
Aircraft and Crew Information
Both the pilot and co-pilot held valid licenses and were type rated on the aircraft. The aircraft, apart from an inoperative cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and a leaking left-hand hydraulic pump, appeared to have been correctly maintained. Weather conditions at the time were fine.
Sequence of Events
The pilot informed Pilanesberg Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the complete hydraulic failure but did not declare an emergency. After landing, the pilot failed to switch off the nose wheel steering and shut down both hydraulic cut-off switches. The emergency checklist for the aircraft did not include procedures for a complete hydraulic failure.
Investigation Findings
The accident resulted from a complete hydraulic failure, probably as a result of a leak on the left-hand engine pump, which was not dealt with properly. Contributing to this was an incomplete emergency checklist that did not cover the specific failure scenario.