Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft conducting a private flight from Crocodile Nest Private Aerodrome near Thabazimbi to Deza Private Aerodrome, both in Limpopo province, South Africa, experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll. The flight was conducted under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011 as amended, in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day. The pilot reported a flight duration of approximately 15 minutes.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft approached Runway 34 from the south-east and landed in a north-westerly direction on the upslope runway. As it slowed to an indicated airspeed of 20-25 knots during the landing roll, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway. The left wheel then rolled over soft sand adjacent to the runway. Subsequently, the left wing tip tank struck trees beside the runway and broke off. The aircraft then turned 90 degrees before the nose section impacted another tree.
Damage and Occupants
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The occupants were not injured.
Runway and Surroundings
According to the farm owner, the runway is 1,300 meters long and 20 meters wide. The tree line runs alongside the length of the runway. The first tree struck by the left wing tip tank was approximately 98 meters from the runway threshold.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the left wheel rolling on the soft sand and the aircraft veering off to the left, where the left wing tip tank and nose section impacted trees. Contributing factors identified included loss of situational awareness and misjudging the distance between the left wing tip and the tree.