What happened
On the afternoon of 24 December 2024, a Hawker Hunter T68, registration ZU-HUN, departed Lanseria International Airport (FALA) for a private aerobatic flight. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, initially flew toward Pilanesberg Airport. During the flight, the pilot requested a climb to flight level 195, but was instructed by air traffic control to remain at FL190 to maintain separation from IFR traffic. The pilot subsequently exceeded this altitude limit.
While performing aerobatic maneuvers, the aircraft's GPS unit malfunctioned and froze. Because the pilot was unfamiliar with the local terrain, this loss of navigation led to a request for vectors back to Lanseria. During the return, the pilot struggled with situational awareness, expressing unfamiliarity with specific waypoints and radio navigation aids provided by radar controllers. Upon arriving at the airfield, the pilot was cleared for a straight-in approach to Runway 07. However, the aircraft touched down with its landing gear retracted, resulting in the underbelly and wing-drop tanks striking the runway. The aircraft slid approximately 110 meters before coming to a stop. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the sequence of events leading to the touchdown and the pilot's actions during the flight. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that ZU-HUN had undergone a recent 100-hour inspection and held a valid authority to fly. The investigation also looked into the pilot's flight experience and the technical failure of the onboard GPS equipment.
Findings
- The pilot failed to extend the landing gear during the final approach to Runway 07.
- The pilot admitted to omitting the pre-landing checks required by the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) due to increased cockpit workload.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the area and the GPS failure contributed to a loss of situational awareness.
- The pilot had previously exceeded the altitude limitations assigned by air traffic control.
Safety action
It is recommended that the Director of Civil Aviation conduct a competence assessment of the pilot, following a series of poor airmanship decisions. Additionally, it is advised that the pilot undergo threat and error management training through an approved organization to improve risk recognition and prevention.