What happened
On 1 March 2001, a Cessna 210N, registered ZS-KNK, was conducting a domestic flight from Beira to Caia, Mozambique. During the approach to Caia, the aircraft landed on Runway 09 at a speed of approximately 70 knots. Following touchdown, the pilot attempted to decelerate using the aircraft's braking system but found that the brakes were not providing sufficient stopping power.
As the aircraft continued along the runway, the pilot worked to maintain directional control using the rudder. However, the aircraft eventually veered off the paved surface into the grass area located behind the runway. The excursion continued as the aircraft moved through the grass before veering sharply to the left and ultimately coming to a stop in a ditch. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the six people on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the maintenance history of the aircraft and found that the Cessna 210N had been properly maintained. Records indicated that only 33.1 hours had elapsed since the last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI), which was completed on 09 December 2000. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, which included a light north-easterly wind of 5 knots and scattered clouds at 8000 feet.