What happened
On 18 July 2006, a Cessna 402, registration ZS-MSH, was involved in an aircraft incident at Bourath Private Aerodrome. Following an initial successful landing, the pilot elected to perform a second takeoff to conduct an aerial survey of the nearby game lodge for investment purposes. The survey flight proceeded without incident. However, upon completing the subsequent landing, the pilot attempted to vacate the runway by executing a 36/0-degree clockwise turn at the end of the runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft's nose wheel moved beyond the paved surface and entered a ditch. The impact caused the nose wheel assembly to twist and collapse.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's condition and the environmental factors present at the time of the incident. At the time of the occurrence, meteorological conditions were favorable, with visibility being excellent (CAVOK) and winds being light and variable. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid private pilot license and a current medical certificate. The aircraft's airworthiness documentation was in order, and the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection had been completed earlier that year. The investigation also noted that all relevant Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins had been complied with.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a wide turn at a near-standstill speed to vacate the runway.
- The runway shoulder surface had been rain-washed, which likely contributed to the aircraft's path.
- The nose wheel departed the prepared runway surface and entered a ditch.
- The primary cause of the incident was the nose wheel failure resulting from the impact with the ditch.