Occurrence
On Friday, 20 December 2024, at 0405Z, a Jabiru J430 aircraft (registration ZU-JBU) was conducting a private flight under Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (2011). The pilot and two passengers were on board, intending to depart from and return to Zuikerkop Lodge Airstrip near Clocolan, Free State Province. The flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day.
Pre-flight and Take-off
According to the pilot, a pre-flight inspection revealed no anomalies. The aircraft had 79 litres of Avgas 100LL. After starting the engine, the pilot taxied to the threshold of gravel Runway 09 (900 m long by 15 m wide). The wind was from 20° at 8 knots. The pilot selected the first notch of flaps (15°) and began the take-off roll at a ground speed of approximately 55 knots.
Accident Sequence
As the nose wheel began to lift off, the aircraft drifted to the left and departed the prepared surface approximately 250 metres from the start of the threshold on the left side of the runway. The nose wheel broke off, the propeller struck the ground, and both main landing gear struts were damaged by horizontal forces. The aircraft was not airborne; both main wheels were still on the ground during the excursion. The pilot shut off the master switch and evacuated with the passengers. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; no persons were injured.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence (issued 24 June 2024, expiring 31 May 2025) with an endorsement for the aircraft type. He had 94.1 total flight hours, including 11.9 hours on type.
- The pilot held a valid Class 2 medical certificate (issued 8 August 2024, expiring 31 August 2025) with a requirement to wear corrective lenses.
- The aircraft's last annual inspection was on 4 December 2024, with a Certificate of Release to Service valid until 4 December 2025 or 50 flight hours. At the time, the aircraft had 8.2 total hours.
- The Authority to Fly was issued on 12 December 2024 and valid until 12 December 2025.
- The Certificate of Registration was issued to the owner on 29 November 2024.
- The aircraft weight at take-off was 715 kg, which was 45 kg below the maximum take-off weight of 760 kg (Pilot's Operating Handbook).
- The pilot stated that the aircraft was airworthy and no steering anomalies existed.
Probable Cause
The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during take-off on the gravel runway due to failure to compensate for engine torque effect, causing the aircraft to drift left and damage the landing gear.
Contributing Factors
None identified.
Safety Actions
None.