What happened
On the morning of 29 September 2024, a Jabiru J400, registration ZU-DFP, was performing circuit training at the Bush n Buck private airstrip near Beestekraal in the North West Province. The flight was being conducted under visual meteorological conditions as a private operation.
After successfully completing three touch-and-go landings, the pilot attempted a full-stop landing for the fourth circuit. During the approach, the aircraft was flying at 65 knots with the flaps set to 30 degrees. However, the pilot initiated the flare at an excessive height. This maneuver caused the aircraft to stall and drop abruptly onto the runway. The impact was severe enough to cause the failure of both the nose gear and the right main landing gear. The resulting force also damaged the propeller, the engine cowling, and the right wing. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft remained on the runway.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the airworthiness of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate. Regarding the aircraft, the Jabiru J400 had undergone a 100-hour inspection recently and possessed a valid authority to fly. The investigation also noted that ZU-DFP had been involved in a previous runway excursion in early 2022.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was poor landing technique, specifically an improper flare.
- The pilot likely approached the runway at too high an altitude and reduced engine power prematurely.
- This sequence caused the aircraft to lose airspeed and stall, leading to a hard touchdown.
- Weather conditions were clear and did not contribute to the event.