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Casualties unknown

2025-02-25: Maule M-7-235 (ZS-MNW) — Runway 18 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith, Free State, ZA

Runway 18 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith, Free State, ZA

On February 25, 2025, a Maule M-7-235 (registration ZS-MNW) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 18 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith, Free State, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft after the right wing struck tall grass on the edge of the runway during an attempted go-around. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 1785104676Data APIEditorial standards

A private flight to a South African airstrip resulted in a serious incident when a wing strike on overgrown runway grass led to a loss of control and landing gear failure.

What happened

On 2/25/2025, a Maule M-7-235 aircraft, registration ZS-MNW, was conducting a private flight from New Castle Aerodrome to the Swiss Valley private airstrip in the Free State province. The flight was operating under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with favorable winds.

As the pilot approached Runway 18, they observed tall grass encroaching on the runway edges. While the aircraft was only 15 feet above the ground, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the flaps. During this maneuver, the aircraft drifted to the right, causing the right wing to strike the tall vegetation. This contact led to a loss of control and a heavy landing on the right main gear. The impact was severe enough to separate the wheel assembly from the strut, resulting in a propeller strike. The aircraft eventually came to a stop after rotating 180 degrees. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing attempt and the condition of the airstrip. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was qualified, medically fit, and authorized to operate the aircraft. The Maule M-7-235 was also found to be airworthy and within its inspection intervals.

Investigators noted that the runway width of 13 meters provided very limited lateral clearance, as the aircraft's wingspan is approximately 10 meters. While the wind conditions were ideal for landing, the presence of 4-meter-high grass along the runway edges created a significant hazard during the low-altitude maneuver.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the incident was the right wing contacting tall grass on the runway edge during the go-around.
  • The pilot's decision to abort the landing was prompted by the visibility of the overgrown vegetation.
  • The go-around was executed at a very low altitude, leaving insufficient margin to clear the roadside obstacles.
  • The impact of the landing gear digging into the ground caused the separation of the wheel assembly and subsequent damage to the propeller blades.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft after the right wing struck tall grass on the edge of the runway during an attempted go-around.

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