What happened
On 27 April 2006, a Beech 23, registration ZS-KCR, was conducting a private flight from Lanseria Aerodrome toward a private airstrip located approximately 9 nm east of Belfast, Mpumalanga. The flight was operated by a pilot accompanied by one passenger. During the approach, the pilot received radio communication from ground personnel confirming the runway was clear and noting a left-hand crosswind of 5 to 10 knots. While flying at 5,800 ft AMSL, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence.
As the pilot prepared to land on the 800 m runway, he performed a fly-by. Due to the significant upward slope of the runway from the threshold to the end, the pilot intended to touch down at the top of the incline at an indicated airspeed of roughly 65 kts. However, the aircraft touched down approximately 400 m past the threshold, much deeper than the intended 20% of the runway length. During the landing roll, the aircraft ballooned briefly and then experienced a leftward yaw. Despite the application of brakes and corrective steering, the aircraft overran the runway end, coming to a stop against a boundary fence approximately 30 m beyond the runway limit. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller blades and the inboard leading edge of the left wing.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Records indicated that the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 29 April 2006, with only 23.5 flight hours elapsed since that inspection. The maintenance organization responsible for the certification held a valid approval at the time of the incident. Meteorological data confirmed favorable flying conditions, characterized by CAVOK weather and light westerly winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the use of an incorrect landing technique.
- The pilot landed the aircraft significantly deeper into the runway than planned, leaving insufficient distance to stop.
- The aircraft experienced a brief ballooning effect and a leftward yaw during the landing roll.