What happened
On the morning of 12 December 2023, a private flight departing from Wonderboom Airport (FAWB) was interrupted by a sudden change in wind conditions during landing. The aircraft, a Van’s RV7 with registration ZU-DZA, was performing touch-and-go circuits at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome (FAKT) under visual meteorological conditions.
As the pilot approached Runway 01, the aircraft was experiencing a 10-knot crosswind from the left. During the landing flare at approximately 50 feet above the ground, the wind suddenly died down. This sudden loss of wind speed caused the aircraft to lose lift and descend more rapidly than intended. Despite attempts to correct the descent by increasing power, the aircraft bounced and struck the runway on its nose gear first. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to the nose gear strut and fairing.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight conditions and the local environment at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was operating under the provisions of Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The aircraft's maintenance records showed it was within its valid inspection period, and the pilot held a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was windshear experienced during a crosswind landing, which led to a loss of indicated airspeed and lift.
- The presence of rising terrain on the left side of the runway contributed to the sudden drop in wind speed as the aircraft passed over it.
- The impact with the runway resulted in a bent nose gear strut and minor damage to the fairing.