Accident Overview
On 30 April 2001, at approximately 1200Z, a Cessna 182J (registration ZS-EHY) departed Umtata Aerodrome on a private flight to Mazeppa Bay Aerodrome. The pilot was accompanied by four passengers, including an infant. The weather at departure was fine with a cloud base of about 1500 feet. Another aircraft ahead contacted East London for current weather and was advised that VFR conditions prevailed.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted at approximately 1200 feet AGL. About 20 nautical miles from the coast, the aircraft encountered light rain and the cloud base lowered to 1200 feet. The flight continued at about 1000 feet along the coastline, where the cloud base dropped to 800 feet. The aircraft descended to 600 feet AMSL for the approach to Mazeppa Bay in light rain.
Runway Inspection and Approach
Upon arriving over the aerodrome, the pilot noticed a horse and cows on the runway. He executed two low-level fly passes to chase the animals away and inspect the runway. Subsequently, a man on the ground chased the animals off. With no wind, the pilot established a right downwind for Runway 26. Due to low cloud, a shallow approach was necessary. The pilot initiated a go-around after being dissatisfied with the first approach.
Landing and Outcome
During the second attempt, the pilot landed slightly deeper than intended on the wet grass runway. The brakes proved ineffective, and the aircraft skidded over the wet grass. A go-around was considered but rejected due to insufficient remaining runway length to execute a safe take-off. The aircraft continued skidding off the end of the runway, down a 3-foot-high embankment, and onto a gravel road. It came to a halt approximately 5 meters (16.4 feet) from the runway end, across the road. None of the five occupants were injured.
Probable Cause
The pilot landed deep on a wet grass surface runway with a tail wind component, misjudging the brake effectiveness of the aircraft during the wet conditions, rendering the pilot unable to stop the aircraft before the end of the runway.