Incident Summary
On 21 April 2024 at 1318Z, a Jabiru J430 (registration ZU-MJM, serial number 513) departed from Nandoni Private Airstrip in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, for a recreational flight to Polokwane Civil Aerodrome, with an intended return. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions by day. The pilot, a 21-year-old male holding a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) with 125.6 total flying hours (97.7 on type), was accompanied by three passengers. Pre-flight inspection revealed no anomalies; the aircraft had 125 litres of fuel, providing 3 hours endurance.
During takeoff on Runway 14, the pilot applied full power and the aircraft accelerated, but the indicated airspeed (IAS) remained at zero. The pilot immediately closed the throttle and applied brakes. However, nearly half the runway length had been used, and the remaining surface sloped downward, impeding deceleration. As the pilot determined insufficient runway remained to stop, he steered the aircraft slightly right, exiting the runway into a wetland to minimise damage. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller blades, right main gear strut, and right-wing tip. No persons were injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Jabiru J430, had a valid Authority to Fly (reissued 12 March 2024) and Certificate of Release to Service (issued 15 March 2024). The last mandatory periodic inspection was on 3 August 2023 at 6 164.5 airframe hours; at the accident, total hours were 6 194.4 (29.9 hours since last MPI). The pilot held a valid PPL and Class 2 medical certificate, with no waivers.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident, the approved person discovered a bug had lodged inside the pitot tube. The blocked pitot tube prevented ram air from reaching the airspeed indicator, causing the IAS to remain at zero during the takeoff roll. The operator reported that the take-off safety speed is 65 KIAS; the sea-level take-off distance to 50 feet is 400 metres, increased by 115 metres per 1 000 feet of pressure altitude. When the take-off was aborted, the aircraft needed 750 metres to stop, but the remaining runway length was 600 metres.
Probable Cause
The pilot aborted take-off due to a bug that had lodged in the pitot tube and, as a result, caused the airspeed readings to remain at zero. The pilot could not bring the aircraft to a safe stop on the remaining runway and he decided to exit to the right to minimise damage. A contributing factor was inadequate or no pre-flight inspection.
No safety actions or recommendations were issued.