Accident Overview
On 26 February 2022 at approximately 0645Z, a Jabiru J430 aircraft, registration ZU-IKG, departed from Runway 27 at Rhino Park Aerodrome in Gauteng Province, South Africa, for a circuit training flight. The purpose was to provide conversion training to a student pilot on the aircraft type. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day and under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011.
The student pilot was the pilot flying. After an uneventful take-off at approximately 70 knots, the student pilot successfully performed one simulated glide approach and one engine failure after take-off procedure, followed by two normal circuit-and-landing exercises.
The Accident Sequence
On the third circuit, while on final approach, the student pilot reported a pronounced sinking sensation. The instructor took over control and attempted to increase throttle, but the action was slightly delayed. The aircraft's main landing gear impacted the edge of the runway hard, causing damage to the left main landing gear. Neither the instructor nor the student pilot was injured. The flight lasted approximately 54 minutes.
The instructor noted that a pond near the threshold of Runway 27 often creates a 'sinking' sensation when pilots fly over it before touchdown.
Findings
- The instructor held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with a Grade III rating and a Class 1 medical certificate with no restrictions. He had 25.5 hours as an instructor on single engine aircraft.
- The student pilot held a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) with a Class 2 medical certificate and had 126.2 total flying hours, with 3.8 hours on the Jabiru J430.
- The aircraft's annual inspection was completed on 14 January 2022 at 1476.0 airframe hours, with a Certificate of Release to Service valid until 17 January 2023 or 1576.0 hours.
- The aircraft was issued an Authority to Fly (ATF) on 29 February 2020, expiring 28 February 2022.
- Weather conditions: surface wind 300°/08kts, temperature 29°C, dew point 13°C, visibility 10 km+, cloud cover 0/8.
Probable Cause
The aircraft was shallow on approach just before landing, which resulted in the main landing gear impacting the edge of the runway.