What happened
On 08 July 2005, a Raptor microlight, registration ZU-CRP, was conducting a private flight departing from and returning to Emoyeni Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal. During the landing phase on Runway 15, the pilot encountered a significant crosswind from the left side. This wind gust caused the aircraft to yaw toward the right, leading the pilot to lose directional control. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway and entered a nearby strawberry field.
As the aircraft left the paved surface, the nose wheel struck a mound of soil. The force of this impact caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. No injuries were reported following the incident.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Meteorological data indicated a northerly wind of 20 knots and CAVOK visibility conditions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid microlight license with the appropriate type rating, and the aircraft's annual inspection had been completed earlier that year in April 2005. Additionally, the owner held a valid Private Operation Authority to Fly Certificate.
Following the incident, the aircraft manufacturer performed repairs on the unit. The manufacturer's assessment concluded that the structural failures observed were the direct result of the airframe being subjected to high impact loads during the excursion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was a wind gust during touchdown that induced a rightward yaw.
- The collapse of the nose gear was triggered by the nose wheel colliding with a heap of soil off the runway.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage due to the impact forces encountered while traveling through the strawberry field.