2024 Shadow Lite CC accident at Bona-Bona Airfield (ZU-FNS)

Overview and Flight Details On 2 March 2024, a Shadow Lite CC aircraft, registration ZU-FNS, was involved in an accident at Bona-Bona Airfield in South Africa's North West Province. The aircraft, powered by a Jabiru J430 engine, was operating under Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. The flight departed from Klerksdorp Airfield (FAKD) at 1300Z with the intention of landing at Bona-Bona Airfield. The pilot reported that the pre-flight inspection revealed no abnormalities and the aircraft was fueled with 85 litres of Avgas 100LL. ## Accident Sequence The aircraft climbed to 6,500 feet at 110 knots indicated airspeed. Upon arrival at Bona-Bona Airfield, the pilot followed the unmanned airfield joining procedure and determined that the wind favored Runway 17. The pilot reported a stable final approach and an uneventful touchdown. However, during the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control, and the aircraft veered to the left, exiting the runway. The left main wheel axle bent, and the propeller blade tips struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest on the grass approximately 25 meters from the left edge of the runway. ## Meteorological and Aerodrome Conditions The METAR for the area at 1400Z indicated a wind from 240 degrees at 9 knots, with a temperature of 27°C and visibility of 9,999 meters. The calculated crosswind component was 8.46 knots from the right, which was within the aircraft's demonstrated maximum crosswind velocity of 14 knots. Bona-Bona Airfield is an unlicensed aerodrome with a 1,300-meter asphalt runway. ## Findings and Probable Cause The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a Class 2 aviation medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Authority to Fly and Certificate of Release to Service. The investigation found that the aircraft was likely unstable on final approach and landed hard, causing the left main landing gear axle to bend. This led to a loss of directional control, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway. No contributing factors or safety actions were identified.