What happened
On August 5, 2000, a Pietenpol aircraft, registered ZS-VIY, was involved in a landing incident at Roodelpoort. The aircraft was conducting a private flight, departing from and intending to return to Roodepoort. During the landing sequence on the gravel runway, the aircraft experienced a nose-over event.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing on Runway 35. The weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported as fine. The investigation focused on the handling of the tail-wheel configuration during the touchdown on the unpaved surface. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the airbox at the engine, the vertical fin, and the wingtip.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an error of judgement by the pilot during the landing phase.
- The aircraft's tail-wheel design contributed to the loss of control leading to the nose-over.
- There were no injuries reported following the event.