Introduction
On 11 August 2022, a private flight involving a Jabiru J430 aircraft, registration ZU-FNS, ended in an accident at Orient Aerodrome (FAOI) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Flight Details
The flight departed Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) at 1455Z, destined for Klerksdorp Aerodrome (FAKD). Visual flight rules (VFR) were followed under Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Weather conditions were clear. The pilot reported that the initial part of the flight was uneventful, but he later decided to divert to FAOI, approximately 70 nautical miles northeast of FAKD, due to insufficient daylight to reach the intended destination.
Landing and Accident
Upon arriving at FAOI, the pilot observed an aircraft conducting touch-and-go exercises on Runway 29. He assumed that was the active runway and followed an unmanned aerodrome joining procedure at 1000 feet above ground level. On final approach, he selected full-wing flaps and maintained an airspeed of approximately 75 knots. During the flare, the aircraft ballooned, followed by a nose-first hard landing on the sloping downhill runway. The nose landing gear assembly detached, and the propeller struck the grass-covered runway surface. The aircraft came to rest in a nose-down attitude. The pilot disembarked unassisted.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Jabiru J430 (serial number 791, registration ZU-FNS) had an Authority to Fly permit valid until 30 June 2023. The last mandatory periodic inspection was completed on 5 July 2022 at 435.20 airframe hours; the aircraft had flown an additional 2.8 hours since. The pilot, a 64-year-old male, held a Private Pilot Licence (A) issued on 17 March 2022, with a Jabiru 430 endorsement but no night rating. He had a total flight time of 136.0 hours, with 2.8 hours on type in the preceding 90 days. His Class 2 medical certificate, valid until 12 August 2023, required corrective lenses. The pilot was not familiar with the runway at FAOI.
Environment
The South African Weather Service reported conditions at Lanseria International Airport (the closest station) at 1500Z on 10 August 2022: wind 350° at 9 knots, visibility 9999 meters, temperature 22°C, CAVOK conditions, and QNH 1023 hPa.
Findings
The investigation found that the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft was airworthy. The pilot reported that the accident resulted from a high flare and high airspeed on the down slope runway. The aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook specifies a normal approach speed; the actual approach speed was 75 knots.
Probable Cause
The aircraft approached at a high speed, which led to the aircraft ballooning during the flare; this was followed by a nose-first hard landing.