What happened
On the morning of 11 December 2024, a private flight departing from Albert Falls Farm Airfield in KwaZulu-Natal experienced a runway excursion during the takeoff roll. The aircraft, a Micro Aviation SA Bat Hawk R with registration ZU-KAB, was operating under Part 94 regulations and flying toward Eva’s Airfield under visual meteorological conditions.
As the aircraft accelerated along the grass-covered runway, the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft began drifting toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to maintain the centerline, the pilot failed to apply sufficient right rudder to counteract the leftward pull. Consequently, the aircraft exited the runway, where the left wing struck trees before the aircraft came to a stop. The pilot was uninjured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its propeller, wings, tail, windshield, and undercarriage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the takeoff and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence with appropriate type ratings and significant experience, including over 476 hours on this specific aircraft type. The pilot also held a valid Class 2 medical certificate.
Regarding the aircraft's maintenance, the investigation found that ZU-KAB was airworthy at the time of departure. The aircraft had only 5.7 total flight hours and had undergone a recent inspection in October 2024. The runway surface at Albert Falls Farm Airfield was found to be flat, even, and well-maintained, suggesting that the terrain did not contribute to the loss of control.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to compensate for the engine torque effect with the necessary rudder input.
- The torque reaction created a yawing moment that pulled the aircraft to the left during the takeoff run.
- The aircraft exited the runway and came to rest in nearby shrubs after impacting trees with the left wing.