What happened
On 24 January 2014, a pilot operating a Van’s Aircraft RV-7A, registration ZU-NTC, was participating in a formation flight with members of the Cape Town Flying Club. While attempting to land on runway 01 at Cape Town International Airport, the aircraft encountered a sudden wind gust.
In an effort to stabilize the aircraft against the crosswind, the pilot applied left wing down input but failed to execute the proper flare. This resulted in a hard landing where the nose landing gear and the left main landing gear struck the runway surface. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, leading the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft skidded approximately 16 feet before coming to a stop. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, disembarked without injury, and airport rescue services moved the aircraft off the active runway.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical state and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly equipped and that the pilot held a valid license for the operation.
Meteorological data indicated a wind speed of 15 knots from 220 degrees, creating a significant crosswind component for a light aircraft. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's actions during the final approach, noting that the focus on correcting lateral stability led to the omission of the necessary flare maneuver. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose gear and propeller, though the engine was subsequently inspected and the aircraft was repaired.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a hard landing with the nose gear impacting first due to a wind gust.
- The pilot's handling technique was identified as a contributing factor, specifically the failure to flare the aircraft.
- The wind conditions were sufficient to destabilize the light aircraft during the landing phase.
- The pilot lacked sufficient experience to manage landings in such gusty conditions.