What happened
On 09 October 2006, a Jabiru SP, registration ZU-CMH, was performing a private flight from Ermelo Aerodrome (FAEO) toward Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB). During the takeoff roll on runway 31, the aircraft encountered unstable conditions. The pilot reported that just prior to rotation, a crosswind pushed the aircraft toward the left side of the runway.
Unable to maintain the centerline, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to veer off the paved surface and onto the grass. During the excursion, the nose wheel struck a ditch, bringing the aircraft to a stop. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Meteorological data indicated a surface wind of 040 degrees at 10 knots, with a cloud base of 9,000 feet. The aircraft, which had a total of 508.10 airframe hours, had recently undergone a mandatory periodic inspection in June 2006.
Physical damage was identified on the propeller, the engine cowlings, and the nose landing gear following the impact with the ditch.
Findings
- The primary factor in the incident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff phase.
- Crosswind conditions contributed to the aircraft drifting left of the runway centerline.
- The aircraft's nose wheel encountered a ditch, which halted the movement of the aircraft.