What happened
On 09 January 2001, a DH-82A (Tiger Moth), registered ZS-OOR, was conducting a private pleasure flight in the vicinity of Attridgeville. The pilot intended to perform a series of touch-and-go landings at a private grass airstrip located approximately three miles south of Attridgeville.
During one of the landing attempts on the grass surface, the right-hand main wheel of the aircraft struck a small embankment. This obstacle was obscured by the surrounding grass, making it invisible to the pilot during the approach. The impact caused the aircraft to yaw sharply, leading to the collapse of the left-hand main landing gear. The sequence of events concluded with the aircraft coming to rest on its nose.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the site and the circumstances surrounding the landing. The investigation focused on the condition of the private airstrip and the visibility of runway obstacles. It was established that the weather conditions were fine at the time of the occurrence. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was being operated for private purposes and that the pilot held a valid private pilot license.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control following an impact with an obstacle.
- A small embankment situated alongside the runway was concealed by grass, preventing the pilot from identifying the hazard.
- The impact of the right-hand wheel with this hidden mound triggered the subsequent collapse of the left-hand landing gear and the nose-over of the aircraft.