On January 17, 2013, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration 8020) operated by South African Air Force - SAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Bloemfontein, South Africa during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the heavy nose impact and subsequent runway excursion is currently unknown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage after a hard landing and runway excursion during a skydiving mission at Bloemspruit Air Force Base.
What happened
During a local mission involving paratroopers and skydiving, a twin-engine aircraft experienced a significant accident at Bloemspruit Air Force Base, which operates alongside the Bloemfontein-Bram Fischer International Airport. While performing its duties, the aircraft performed a landing that was excessively forceful on the nose gear. Following this impact, the plane drifted off the runway surface and eventually came to a stop with its left wing making contact with the ground.
Findings
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
All five crew members on board were able to evacuate the wreckage and sustained no injuries.
The specific reason for the hard nose landing remains undetermined.
Probable cause
The cause of the heavy nose impact and subsequent runway excursion is currently unknown.