Introduction
On 09 October 2006 at 1055Z, a Jabiru SP aircraft, registration ZU-CMH, was involved in an incident during a private flight from Ermelo Aerodrome (FAEO) to Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB). The aircraft had a total of 508.10 airframe hours at the time. The pilot held a valid private pilot licence with 108.5 total flying hours, including 25.6 hours on type. One pilot and one passenger were on board.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, during the take-off roll on Runway 31, just before rotation, the aircraft became unstable due to crosswind conditions. The aircraft was pushed to the left-hand side of the runway, and the pilot could not regain the centreline. He lost directional control, and the aircraft veered off onto the grass surface. The nose wheel subsequently entered a ditch, causing the aircraft to come to a halt.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, the surface wind was from 040° at 10 knots, temperature 21°C, and the cloud cover was broken (as seen by the pilot) with a cloud base of 9 000 feet.
Damage
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, propeller, and engine cowlings.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was that the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during take-off in crosswind conditions.