What happened
On the morning of 22 June 2024, a pilot and a passenger were operating a KFA Bushbaby taildragger, registration ZU-IJC, on a private flight originating from Zandsproll Aero Estate in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions for the purpose of local flying within the general flying area.
After approximately one hour of flight, the pilot returned to the Zandspruit Aero Estate private airstrip to perform a full-stop landing on Runway 35. While the approach was initially stable and the wind favored the runway, the aircraft's direction became unstable during the landing roll. The pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to ground loop toward the left side of the runway. During this maneuver, the left-wing tip fairing struck the ground, resulting in minor damage to the aircraft. Both occupants were able to disembark without injury.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID examination confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and had a valid Authority to Fly at the time of the incident. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had undergone its last annual inspection in September 2023, and there were no reported mechanical defects prior to the flight. The pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. Meteorological data from the nearby Airforce Base Hoedspruit indicated favorable flying conditions, with clear visibility and light winds, confirming that weather was not a contributing factor to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure to use sufficient right rudder during the landing roll to maintain the aircraft's centerline.
- The pilot's lack of experience contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The aircraft sustained only minor damage to the left-wing tip fairing.