Serious Incident at Potchefstroom Aerodrome Involves Jabiru J430 and Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4D Glider (ZU-FNS and ZS-GFP)

Incident Overview and Location Details On 27 January 2026, a serious incident occurred at Potchefstroom Aerodrome (FAPS) in North West Province, South Africa. The event involved a Jabiru J430 aircraft registered ZU-FNS and a Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau Nimbus 4D glider registered ZS-GFP. The incident took place on Runway 21 at the aerodrome, which is located at GPS coordinates 26°40'16.78 S, 027°04'55.17 E, with an elevation of 4,520 feet. The operation was classified as a serious incident under reference number CA18/3/2/1524. ## Aircraft and Personnel Information The Jabiru J430 (ZU-FNS) had a serial number of 791 and a total of 820.3 airframe hours at the time of the incident. The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4D glider (ZS-GFP) had a serial number of 6 and a total of 11,299.91 airframe hours. No damage was reported to either aircraft. The pilot-in-command of the Jabiru was a 35-year-old female holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with 3,663.0 total hours and 165.3 hours on type. The glider pilot was a 35-year-old male Swiss national holding a Sailplane Pilot Licence validated by SACAA for 28 days as a Glider Pilot Licence (GPL), with 4,512.5 total hours and 60 hours on type. ## Sequence of Events The Jabiru J430 took off from Runway 21 for circuit training with a chief flight instructor and a student pilot. After landing, the crew decided to take off again from Runway 03 due to light and variable wind conditions. During the final approach to Runway 21, the crew noticed a vehicle towing the glider to the threshold of Runway 03. The crew attempted to establish communication with the glider and tow vehicle on the designated aerodrome frequency of 123.00 MHz but was unsuccessful. The glider pilot stated that he was waiting for the tow aircraft and had no intention to vacate the runway. The Jabiru crew initiated a go-around and subsequently landed safely on Runway 21. ## Regulatory and Operational Context The Jabiru operated under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011, while the glider operated under Part 94. The AIP for FAPS, dated 15 April 2023, did not contain information regarding glider operations at the aerodrome. According to CAR Part 91.06.11, aircraft landing or taking off have priority at uncontrolled aerodromes, followed by towed aircraft. The glider pilot's actions were in accordance with his understanding of standard procedure, but the lack of radio communication contributed to the incident. ## Findings and Conclusions The investigation found that both pilots were licensed, medically fit, and qualified to operate their respective aircraft. The Jabiru's Authority-to-Fly Certificate was valid, and the aircraft was maintained by an approved person. The glider's Authority-to-Fly Certificate was also valid, and maintenance was conducted by an approved person. The incident was classified as a serious incident due to the potential for a collision between the aircraft and the glider on the runway. No fatalities or injuries were reported.