What happened
On 1 September 2024, a Jabiru 430 aircraft, registered ZU-EMV, was conducting a private flight from Port Elizabeth Airport to Woodman Farm Airstrip near Plettenberg Bay. The flight, operated under Part 94 regulations, proceeded under visual meteorological conditions without incident during the initial flight segments.
Upon approaching Runway 1ered at Woodman Farm Airstrip, the aircraft touched down at approximately 65 knots. During the subsequent landing roll on the grass surface, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer toward the left. Despite an attempt to correct the deviation using the right rudder, the aircraft exited the runway perimeter. The nose wheel encountered a trench, causing the aircraft to flip over. The two occupants on board were able to exit the aircraft unassisted and sustained no injuries, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control and the condition of the aircraft and pilot. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft's annual inspection was current, having been certified in October 2023, and the Authority to Fly was valid at the time of the occurrence. The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing roll and the impact of the terrain features at the edge of the runway.