What happened
On 25 September 2024, a Carl Babst Raven Z090 aircraft, registration ZU-IGSB, was conducting a private flight departing from and returning to the Elandsvlei Farm private airstrip in Piketberg, Western Cape. The flight was operated under visual meteorological conditions in accordance with Part 94 regulations.
After a brief flight of approximately 35 minutes, the pilot initiated an approach to Runway 02. During the landing sequence, the pilot began the flare maneuver while the aircraft was still roughly 30 feet above the ground and traveling at approximately 60 mph. This maneuver caused the aircraft to lose altitude prematurely, resulting in a hard impact on the grass area approximately 20 meters short of the runway threshold. The aircraft then slid along the gravel runway surface.
There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries to the two occupants. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically involving the main landing gear oleos and the landing gear boxes integrated into the wing section.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and aircraft condition. The investigation confirmed the aircraft was within its maximum takeoff mass of 540 kg, weighing 530.3 kg at the time of the incident. Maintenance records showed the aircraft had undergone a 100-hour inspection in March 2024 and held a valid Authority-to-Fly. The pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate.
Findings
The primary cause of the accident was that the airspeed decreased below 65 mph during the flare, which led to a loss of lift and the subsequent hard landing short of the runway.
Safety action
To prevent similar occurrences, it is noted that pilots should maintain high levels of vigilance during critical flight phases such as takeoff and landing. This specific accident could have been avoided had the pilot initiated a go-around upon recognizing the insufficient height and airspeed during the approach.