Accident Overview
On 31 July 2024, a Jabiru SP aircraft, registration ZU-CKU, operated by a private pilot under Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, departed Rhino Park Airfield for a ferry flight to Kitty Hawk Airfield (FAKT) in Gauteng Province. The flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions during daytime. The aircraft touched down deep on the first approach for Runway 01, prompting a go-around. On the second approach, the aircraft landed at the correct touchdown point, but the pilot reported that the brakes did not respond as expected. The aircraft continued rolling down the 900-metre runway, which has a downhill slope of approximately 32 feet from the middle to the end. Near the runway end, the pilot turned right and exited onto grass. The nose gear wheel rolled over an unseen ditch, causing the wooden propeller to strike the ground and sustain damage. The pilot was unharmed.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Jabiru SP (serial number 421), had accumulated 945.5 total airframe hours. The last annual inspection was on 18 April 2024 at 940.4 hours; the accident occurred 4.6 hours later. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness issued on 26 June 2024, expiring 30 June 2025. The pilot held a Private Pilot Licence issued on 7 July 2024, with a total of 69.1 flight hours, including 2.9 hours on type. He had a valid Class 2 medical certificate with no limitations.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident testing by the investigator, pilot, and an approved person (AP) showed the brake system operated adequately: the aircraft could not be pushed forward with manual brakes engaged and emergency brakes in the park position. The hydraulic fluid reservoir was half-full (no minimum level indicated), brake lines were in good condition, and no signs of leakage or air gaps were found. Brake pads on both main wheels were sufficient, and tyres had no flat spots. The tarred runway was dry. The AP confirmed that during the last inspection on 18 April 2024, the brakes were in acceptable condition.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined it was likely that the pilot engaged the rudder pedals when he should have used the hand brake to stop the aircraft. The contributing factor noted was that the pilot had more flight hours on aircraft types equipped with rudder pedal (toe) brakes.
Additional Information
No safety actions or recommendations were issued. The report was compiled in the interest of aviation safety promotion, not to apportion blame.