What happened
On 4 August 2023, a Flight Design Bushbaby, registration ZU-AWH, was conducting a private flight under visual meteorological conditions at the Cape Winelands Aerodrome (FAWN) in the Western Cape. After departing from Runway 05 for a flight within the local general flying area, the pilot attempted to return to the same aerodrome.
During the final approach for landing on Runway 05, the aircraft touched down. As the aircraft proceeded along the runway, a gust of wind from the right caused the plane to veer toward the left side of the runway. This resulted in a ground loop that continued until the aircraft came to a halt. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage, including a bent propeller, a misaligned landing gear, and damage to the cowling.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control and the aircraft's maintenance status. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the last annual inspection had been completed earlier in the year, and the aircraft was within its valid Certificate of Release to Service.
Investigators also reviewed the meteorological conditions at the time of the incident. While the maximum allowable crosswind for this aircraft type is 20 knots, the investigation noted the specific wind conditions present during the landing sequence.
Findings
- The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during the ground roll.
- A contributing factor to the excursion was the pilot landing with a tailwind component of 8 knots.
- A wind gust from the right side of the aircraft prompted the leftward veer and subsequent ground loop.