What happened
On 16 May 2010, a Jabiru J430, registration ZU-MEG, was conducting a private flight under visual flight rules from Pilanesberg Aerodrome to Kitty Hawk Aerodrome. During the landing sequence on runway 01, the pilot experienced an updraft that resulted in the aircraft touching down significantly further down the runway than intended.
As the aircraft continued its landing roll, it failed to come to a halt before reaching the end of the paved surface. The aircraft rolled into the grassy overshoot area, traveling approximately 150 m beyond the runway. The impact with the uneven terrain caused the landing gear to collapse, forcing the aircraft to slide on its belly. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot and passenger escaped with no injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight parameters and the physical conditions at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome. Although the pilot initially reported touching down only 100 m from the runway threshold, the investigation determined this was unlikely. Calculations showed that with 710 m of runway remaining, the aircraft should have been able to stop within approximately 226 m.
Investigators concluded that the aircraft likely touched down much closer to the end of the runway, near a section with a downward slope. This slope increased the aircraft's rolling speed, making braking ineffective. Furthermore, while the pilot cited power lines and low airspeed as reasons to avoid a go-around, investigators found the power lines were a safe distance away and that a successful go-around was technically possible had the pilot rotated the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot landed too far down the runway, near a downward slope that accelerated the aircraft's roll.
- The pilot failed to select full flaps prior to landing, which served as a contributing factor.
- The pilot chose to shut down the engine during the landing roll to mitigate potential damage to the propeller and engine.
- The aircraft was within its permitted mass and balance limits, and fuel levels were sufficient for the flight.