Jabiru SK Forced Landing on Road Near Groblersdal, South Africa (ZU-BXA)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On 5 July 2001 at 0730Z, a Jabiru SK with registration ZU-BXA was conducting a commercial survey flight in South Africa. The aircraft departed from and was intended to land at Groblersdal Aerodrome. The pilot-in-command held a commercial licence and had 1,200.0 total flying hours, including 558.2 hours on type. One person was on board, and there were no injuries or fatalities. ## Sequence of Events The pilot reported flying south at 100 m (330 ft) above ground level with normal engine temperatures and pressures. A loud bang was followed by a complete loss of oil pressure and the propeller stopped. A restart attempt failed. The pilot squawked 7700 and made a Mayday call. The nearest suitable landing area was a tar road about 400 m from the aircraft’s position. ## Forced Landing and Outcome The aircraft was manoeuvred for a landing on the road. On touchdown, half of the gear was on the tar and half was off. During the landing roll, the right main wheel struck a rock, causing the right tyre to burst. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the aircraft veered off the road to the right down a shallow embankment. The accident site was located on a road between Groblersdal and Stoffberg (Maleoskop Area).