What happened
On 15 June 2024, an Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat, registration ZU-DSS, was conducting a private flight departing from and returning to the NB Safaris Airstrip in Sterkrivier, Limpopo. The flight, operated under Part 94 regulations, proceeded without incident until the return leg.
During the landing phase on Runway 01, the aircraft approached at an excessive airspeed, causing the plane to float and touch down deep into the 1,200-metre grass runway. Unable to stop the aircraft before the end of the strip, the plane overshot the runway. Approximately 12.5 metres beyond the threshold, the nose wheel struck a hole created by warthogs, causing the aircraft to flip over. While the two occupants sustained 0 fatalities and 0 injuries, the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and the condition of the aircraft and pilot. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's annual inspection and authority to fly were both valid at the time of the occurrence. However, the investigation noted that the pilot's Private Pilot Licence had expired prior to the flight. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as clear with light winds of 5 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the aircraft's airspeed was too high during the approach, leading to a deep touchdown and runway overshoot.
- The subsequent nose-over was triggered when the nose gear encountered a hole in the terrain beyond the runway end.
- The pilot's Private Pilot Licence was not valid at the time of the operation.