What happened
On 10 November 2023, a private flight involving a pilot and one passenger was en route from a farm near Pilanesberg to Hoedspruit Civil Airfield (FAHT) in Limpopo. The flight, conducted under visual meteorological conditions, followed an earlier leg starting from Tedderfield Air Park.
Upon approaching Runway 17, the pilot performed a touchdown halfway down the runway at approximately 70 knots, which exceeded the manufacturer's recommended landing speed of 6/0 KIAS. Following the touchdown of the nose gear, the pilot attempted to engage the brakes, but the system failed to respond. Facing an imminent overrun into a perimeter fence, the pilot executed an aggressive left turn toward the apron. This maneuver caused the nose landing gear to collapse, resulting in the propeller striking the runway. The impact caused one propeller blade to break off and significant damage to the remaining two blades. The aircraft also sustained damage to the right wing tip. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries during the event.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the mechanical state of the Sling II (registration ZU-TAE) and the circumstances of the landing. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the airfield, which confirmed the aircraft landed deep on the runway at a high rate of speed.
Post-accident inspections of the braking system, including the brake pipelines, linings, and discs, revealed no leaks or mechanical anomalies. The investigation also verified the pilot's credentials, noting a valid Private Pilot Licence and significant prior flight experience. The aircraft's maintenance records and authority to fly were also found to be in order.