Incident Overview
On 18 July 2006, a Cessna 402 aircraft, registration ZS-MSH, was involved in an incident at Bourath Private Aerodrome. The pilot, a private licence holder with a total of 159.45 flight hours (82.95 hours on type), had initially landed safely at the aerodrome. Subsequently, the pilot decided to take off again to perform an aerial survey of the game lodge for potential investment considerations.
Flight and Maneuver
After completing the aerial survey without incident, the aircraft landed and, at the end of the landing roll, the pilot commenced a 360-degree clockwise turn at a turning circle at the end of the runway in order to vacate the runway. The turn was described as wide, executed at near standstill speed, and the runway shoulder surface was rain-washed.
Accident Sequence
During the turn, the nose wheel departed the runway shoulder surface and entered a ditch, causing the nose wheel to twist and collapse. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose wheel mounting and both propellers. The pilot and three passengers sustained no injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness expiring 24 January 2007, and its last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was certified on 3 March 2006 at 9275.0 airframe hours, with an additional 68.0 hours accumulated since then. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence with a valid non-restricted medical certificate expiring 31 October 2006.
Meteorological Conditions
Surface wind was 290°C, light and variable, visibility CAVOK, and temperature 22°C.
Probable Cause
The nose wheel failed when it entered a ditch on the edge of the runway while the aircraft was executing a wide turn.