What happened
On the morning of 29 August 2024, a Jabiru J430 aircraft, registration ZU-PPL, was conducting a private flight from Rhino Park Airfield in Gauteng to Secunda Aerodrome in Mpumalanga. The flight, carrying a pilot and two passengers, proceeded uneventfully until the landing phase on Runway 29.
As the aircraft approached the runway with flaps extended to 40 degrees, a sudden gust of wind from the left lifted the wing. This disturbance caused the aircraft to float along the runway for approximately 900 metres. Although the aircraft eventually touched down on the 1,100-metre runway, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft using the brakes. Following the application of brakes, the pilot deactivated the master switch, at which point the aircraft lost directional control. The aircraft veered left and exited the runway near the threshold of Runway 11, where the left main gear leg broke off. The aircraft came to rest on the grass adjacent to the runway with minor damage and no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating within its allowable weight and center of gravity limits. Meteorological data indicated a crosswind component of 13.16 knots and a tailwind of 4.79 knots at the time of the incident.
Post-accident inspections revealed damage to the left main gear leg brake caliper, the propeller blade, and the ventral fin. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date, with a recent annual inspection completed in July 2024.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was a sudden gust of wind that lifted the aircraft during the landing sequence, leading to an extended float and a deep touchdown.
- A contributing factor was the use of an incorrect crosswind landing technique.
- The decision not to execute a go-around when the landing was disrupted contributed to the outcome.