What happened
On the afternoon of 1 September 2025, a private scenic flight operating under Part 94 regulations resulted in a serious incident at Leppan Farm Airstrip in the Western Cape. The pilot was operating a Skystar Kitfox 7, registration ZU-DZH, for a local flight with the intention of returning to the departure point.
During the landing on Runway 05, the aircraft experienced a bounce upon touchdown. A sudden gust of wind from the right caused the right wing to lift, leading the left wing tip to strike the ground. Because the aircraft was at a low altitude, the pilot was unable to initiate a go-around. This impact triggered an anticlockwise ground loop, causing the aircraft to rotate approximately 270°. During this rotation, the right wing also made contact with the ground. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, disembarked after the aircraft came to a halt. The aircraft suffered minor damage, with impacts noted on the propeller, fuselage, wings, empennage, and landing gear.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft, ZU-DZH, was found to be properly maintained, with a valid Certificate of Release to Service and an active Authority-to-Fly.
Investigators analyzed the meteorological data from George Aerodrome, which indicated a wind direction of 100° at 11 knots. While the aircraft encountered a crosswind component of 8.43 knots—well within its maximum demonstrated limit of 15.6 knots—the investigation focused on the approach dynamics and adherence to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH).
Findings
- The pilot performed the landing at an approach speed of 65 mph, which exceeded the POH recommendation of 50 to 60 mph.
- The pilot did not attempt a go-around despite the unstable nature of the touchdown.
- An unstable approach during a crosswind landing led to the wing tip strike and subsequent ground loop.
- The pilot failed to correctly compensate for the crosswind during the landing phase.