What happened
On 3/30/2024, a Jabiru J430 with registration ZU-LBD was conducting a private flight from Kareedouw Aerodrome to Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape. The flight, operated under Part 91 regulations, was intended to be a non-stop trip to Jeffreys Bay followed by a return to the departure point. During the return leg, the pilot was performing an unmanned joining procedure for Runway 28.
While the approach appeared stable with flaps set at 30 degrees and an airspeed of 70 knots, the pilot initiated the landing flare at an excessive altitude. After reducing the throttle to idle, the aircraft experienced a rapid descent, leading to a hard landing on the unpaved runway. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce twice, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear and the bending of the nose gear strut. The propeller blades also struck the ground. Following the touchdown, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer left of the runway. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight conditions and aircraft maintenance records. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and medically fit to operate the aircraft. The Jabiru J430 was found to be airworthy, with a recent annual inspection completed in late November 2024. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, noting a tailwind component and the specific landing speeds used during the approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot flared the aircraft too high during the landing approach.
- A tailwind of approximately 8 knots was present, which likely increased the landing speed and impacted the pilot's ability to decelerate effectively.
- The landing airspeed of 70 knots was higher than the 65 knots recommended in the pilot's operating handbook for a normal landing.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, nose gear, and right main gear.