Incident Details
On 28 February 2000 at 1330Z, a Cessna 421 B (registration ZS-NUS) operated by Speed Air Charter Services (licence N 173D) under a domestic charter flight conducted landing at Garonga, Mpumalanga. The pilot, accompanied by two passengers, performed a successful landing. After dropping off the passengers, the pilot inspected the runway area and determined it satisfactory for take-off and landing. He then started the engines and began turning the aircraft for take-off. During the turn, the nose wheel entered soft, muddy ground obscured by long grass, causing the nose wheel to break off and the propellers to contact the ground. There were no injuries to the three occupants.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 421 B, registration ZS-NUS. The pilot held a commercial pilot licence and had 12,500 total flying hours, including 460 hours on type. The flight originated from Lanseria Airport (FALA) with an intended destination of Garonga, Mpumalanga. Weather conditions were fine, with good visibility and a temperature of +28°C.
Probable Cause
The aircraft nose wheel entered soft muddy ground obscured by long grass and broke off.
Post-Incident Comments
The pilot stated an intention to avoid landing and take-off from gravel/grass strips in the future unless a concrete turn-around base is present at each threshold.