What happened
On 27 June 2011, a private flight involving a Kitplanes Safari (registration ZU-FMD) ended in an aircraft rollover at Dadelvlak Farm in the Malelane area. The pilot was conducting a local flight, departing from and intending to return to the same farm. During the landing sequence on runway 22, the pilot misjudged the aircraft's altitude and performed a high round-out, which resulted in a hard landing.
The impact of the landing caused the left-hand landing gear axle to break. While the pilot attempted to maintain the aircraft on the runway, the loss of structural integrity led to a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered left off the runway and entered a nearby sugarcane field. As the left landing gear became embedded in the soft soil, the aircraft slowly rolled over onto its roof. The pilot, who was properly restrained, sustained no injuries, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the propeller, left wing, tailfin, left lift strut, and the left main axle.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that weather conditions at the time of the incident were excellent, with calm winds and clear visibility (CAVOK). The aircraft was found to be in a serviceable condition, with no recorded mechanical defects or malfunctions prior to the flight. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot held a valid microlight license and medical certificate, and that the aircraft's most recent annual inspection had been completed by an authorized person shortly before the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a hard landing that triggered the failure of the left-hand landing gear axle.
- The failure of the axle led to the loss of directional control and the subsequent rollover in the sugarcane field.
- An incorrect approach and landing technique contributed to the severity of the impact.