What happened
On the morning of 18 June 2022, a pilot operating an Ekolot KR-030 Topaz, registration ZU-EXK, was preparing for a return flight from Bundu Fly-Inn Estate Aerodrome to Grasslands Aerodrome in Gauteng. The flight was being conducted under Part 94 regulations. After taxiing and back-tracking along the runway to the threshold of Runway 27, the pilot performed a 180-degree left turn to align for departure.
During the initial stages of the take-off roll, the aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline. Although the pilot initially corrected the deviation, the aircraft subsequently veered sharply to the left, exiting the paved surface and traveling across the grass at a 90-degree angle to the runway. In an attempt to avoid a concrete perimeter wall, the pilot steered the aircraft to the right. This maneuver caused the right main gear strut to collapse and fold under the fuselage, leading to the right wing tip striking the ground and causing delamination of the wing structure. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft following its recovery to Grasslands Aerodrome. A post-accident inspection revealed that the nose gear steering rod had been bent. When the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) was consulted regarding such damage, they noted that while similar instances of bent steering rods have occurred in their production history, such damage is typically the result of hard landings. However, the pilot stated there had been no hard landings during his period of ownership. The investigation also noted that the aircraft had a history of a previous accident in 2008 involving a ground loop.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, landing gear, and wing tip.
- The accident occurred during favorable weather conditions with light winds.
- The bent nose wheel steering rod was identified as the primary factor leading to the loss of directional control during the take-off roll.
- The bend in the steering rod likely occurred during the 180-degree turn at the runway threshold prior to the take-off run.