What happened
On the morning of 27 December 2023, a private flight traveling from Morningstar Aerodrome to Craigcor Private Airstrip in the Western Cape resulted in an aircraft accident. The flight, operated under Part 94 regulations, was being conducted in clear visual meteorological conditions.
As the pilot approached Runway 20 at the unpaved airstrip, the aircraft was flying in a pattern alongside four other aircraft. During the final approach, the pilot configured the Rans S-2im ZU-ITJ with 30 degrees of flaps. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the left wing suddenly dropped and made contact with the ground.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying power and attempting to climb. However, the aircraft rolled heavily to the left. Despite the pilot's efforts to correct the roll with opposite rudder and aileron, control was lost. The aircraft veered off the runway, crashed through a perimeter fence, and came to rest in nearby bushes. While the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the propeller, fuselage, and wings, there were 0 fatalities and no injuries to the pilot or passenger.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft had a valid Authority to Fly and recent annual inspections. Weather conditions at the time were light and variable, with a minimal crosswind component that was not a contributing factor.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an aerodynamic stall occurring during the final approach.
- The pilot was operating at an airspeed of 52 knots, which was below the manufacturer's recommended final approach speed of 56 knots.
- This reduction in speed, combined with the use of full flaps, led to a loss of lift on the left wing.
- The resulting loss of directional control caused the aircraft to depart the runway and impact the perimeter fence.