What happened
On 14 September 2023, a Cessna 185E, registration ZU-JGM, was conducting a private flight from Port Alfred Aerodrome to King Phalo Aerodrome in the Eastern Cape. The flight was operating under visual meteorological conditions.
Upon arriving at King Phalo Aerodrome, the pilot received clearance to land on Runway 29. The approach was maintained at a stable speed of 65 knots. The pilot executed a three-point landing with the tail-wheel lock disengaged. During the subsequent landing roll, the left wing lifted, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway. Despite attempts to regain control using left rudder and braking, the aircraft careered off the paved surface. The right-wing tip and horizontal stabilizer made contact with the ground before the aircraft came to a halt in a grass area. There were no injuries and no fatalities.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's annual inspection had been completed approximately 10 hours prior to the event. Meteorological data from the time of the accident indicated a wind direction of 210 degrees at 15 knots, which produced a left-hand crosswind component of 13 knots. The investigation also reviewed the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft, noting that the manual does not specify a maximum allowable crosswind component for takeoff or landing operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing roll due to the left-hand crosswind.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the 13-knot crosswind component while operating with the tail-wheel lock disengaged.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right-wing tip and the horizontal stabilizer.