What happened
On 11 September 2025, an Air Tractor AT-402A, registration ZS-OGP, was engaged in agricultural spraying operations at Eenboom Farm Airstrip in the Swartland region of the Western Cape. Following an initial spray run involving 1,000 litres of pesticide, the pilot returned to the gravel-surfaced airstrip to reload for a second application.
During the landing on Runway 1s, the pilot utilized full flaps and executed a standard approach. While the aircraft initially touched down correctly on the main wheels followed by the tailwheel, the pilot encountered difficulties maintaining the aircraft's path during the landing roll. Despite attempts to correct the deviation using right rudder and brake inputs, the aircraft veered left off the runway. The aircraft traveled approximately 240 metres before coming to a stop, resulting in substantial damage to the right main landing gear, the tailwheel, and the empennage. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's flight controls and braking systems, finding no mechanical abnormalities or defects. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and had undergone a maintenance inspection recently. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with good visibility and light winds, ruling out weather as a contributing factor.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- A contributing factor was the overcontrolling of the aircraft by the pilot during the ground phase.
- The aircraft's maintenance status and the pilot's commercial license and medical certification were all found to be valid and in order.