Introduction
On 14 September 2023 at 0750Z, a pilot departed Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA) in a Cessna 185E aircraft, registration ZU-JGM, on a private flight to King Phalo Aerodrome (FAEL). The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day and in accordance with Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011.
Flight Details
The pilot reported an uneventful flight from FAPA to FAEL. Upon arrival, he obtained clearance from the air traffic control officer (ATCO) to land on Runway 29. The approach was stable at 65 knots (74.8 mph). The pilot performed a three-point landing with the tail-wheel lock disengaged. During the landing roll, the left wing lifted, causing the aircraft to veer to the right of the runway. The pilot attempted correction with left rudder and braking but could not regain control. The aircraft exited the runway, dragging the right-wing tip and horizontal stabiliser on the ground before coming to a stop on the grass.
Post-Accident
The ATCO witnessed the occurrence and activated the alert phase (ALERFA), and Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel responded. The pilot declined assistance and taxied the aircraft to the hangar. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right-wing tip and horizontal stabiliser. The pilot was not injured. The Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR) from FAEL at 1030Z indicated wind from 210° at 15 knots, visibility 10 km, temperature 19°C, CAVOK, QNH 1016 hPa.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence (PPL) issued on 1 April 1996, reissued on 17 January 2023, with a Class 2 medical certificate issued on 4 April 2023, requiring corrective lenses.
- The last annual inspection was on 27 August 2023 at 7755.2 hours; the aircraft had accumulated 7765.3 hours at the time of the accident (10.1 hours after inspection).
- The Authority to Fly (ATF) was initially issued on 9 December 2019 and renewed on 22 March 2023, valid until 30 April 2024.
- The aircraft's Certificate of Registration was issued to the current owner on 3 June 2021.
- The crosswind component at the time of the accident was 13 knots from the left. The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) does not specify a maximum crosswind component.
- The aircraft touched down on all three wheels with the tail-wheel lock disengaged; during the landing roll, the left wing lifted, and directional control was lost, causing the aircraft to veer left and exit the runway.
Probable Cause
Loss of directional control during the landing roll due to the crosswind from the left.
Contributing Factor
Inadequate compensation for the crosswind component during landing with the tail-wheel lock disengaged.
Safety Message
The POH should state the crosswind limit for safe operation.