What happened
On the afternoon of 9 January 2024, a private flight operating under Part 94 regulations experienced a landing accident at Rexfield Airstrip in East London. The aircraft, a Kitplanes for Africa Bushbaby Explorer with registration ZU-ELC, had departed from Robertsvale Airstrip in Gonubie under clear visual meteorological conditions.
Upon approaching Runway 15, the pilot noted calm winds. While the initial touchdown and approach were stable, the aircraft began to veer toward the left side of the grass runway during the landing roll. In an effort to correct the deviation and maintain the centerline, the pilot engaged the brakes with too much force. This sudden deceleration caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in the aircraft flipping over. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries as the pilot was able to exit the wreckage unassisted.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy at the time of dispatch, with a valid Authority to Fly and a recent annual inspection completed within the required 100-hour interval. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate.
Post-accident examinations of the aircraft revealed no mechanical abnormalities. Specifically, the rudder control pedals were found to be fully operational and free of any stiffness that might have contributed to the loss of directional control.