What happened
On 3 March 2021, a Hawker 4000, registration ZS-DDT, was conducting a positioning flight from Cape Town International Airport to Plettenberg Bay Airport. During the climb phase from Cape Town, the crew requested a descent to flight level 100 due to a cabin altitude warning. While cruising, radar control observed the aircraft descending below its assigned altitude, prompting the pilot to correct the deviation.
Upon arrival at Pletually Bay, the aircraft performed a visual straight-in approach to Runway 30. During the landing roll, the pilot noted a reduction in brake pressure and a delay in thrust reverser deployment. The aircraft touched down 356 metres from the threshold, but due to an inability to decelerate effectively, it overran the runway and came to a stop on the grass approximately 80 metres from the runway edge. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined flight data recorder information and air traffic control communications. The investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration during the landing phase and the crew's management of the approach. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's descent profile and the mechanical performance of the braking and spoiler systems during the rollout.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was an unstable approach that resulted in a deep landing.
- The ground spoiler system was not armed, which prevented the aircraft from decelerating sufficiently on the remaining runway.
- The crew failed to follow standard operating procedures regarding the extension of speed brakes and the arming of spoilers.
- There was a lack of effective monitoring of primary flight instruments during the landing phase.
- The crew's response was hindered by a lack of simulator training for emergency procedures and unusual maneuvers.
- The remaining runway length was insufficient to safely stop the aircraft following the deep touchdown.