What happened
On the afternoon of 13 December 2023, a private flight operating under Part 94 regulations departed from Rhino Park Airfield in Bronk_hr_spruit, Gauteng. The pilot, operating a Jabiru J430 with registration ZU-TSM, climbed to 6,500 feet above mean sea level but elected to descend to circuit height after encountering turbulence.
During the return to the airfield, the pilot attempted to land on Runway 09. The aircraft touched down at a speed of 77 knots, causing it to float and eventually settle beyond the designated landing zone. While the pilot applied the brakes, the available runway surface was insufficient to stop the aircraft. During the braking process, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer right. The impact of departing the paved surface resulted in the nose landing gear breaking off, leaving the aircraft resting in a nose-down position.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and the aircraft's maintenance status. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. The Jabiru J430 was also found to be airworthy, with a valid Authority to Fly and a recent annual inspection completed in July 2023.
Investigators compared the actual landing conditions to the manufacturer's specifications. They noted that the aircraft touched down with flaps set at only 10 degrees, whereas the Jabiru Owner’s Manual specifies a landing speed of 65 knots when flaps are in the full-down position. The investigation established that the aircraft's touchdown speed of 77 knots was significantly higher than recommended.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the aircraft landing at an excessive speed and too far down the runway.
- The pilot's decision not to execute a go-around contributed to the incident.
- The high touchdown speed left the pilot with insufficient distance to safely decelerate before the runway edge.