What happened
On July 14, 2001, a Windlass Trike, registration ZU-ADJ, was conducting a private local flight departing from and returning to Scottburgh aerodrome. During the landing phase, the pilot allowed the aircraft to bounce upon contact with the runway. This bounce, combined with existing crosswind conditions, led to a loss of directional control. In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver; however, the aircraft failed to clear a line of trees situated to the right of the runway. The aircraft struck the trees, resulting in an impact that caused minor injuries to both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the aircraft's legal status. The weather at the time of the accident was reported as fine, with winds originating from 360 degrees at approximately 6 to 7 knots. Beyond the physical mechanics of the crash, the investigation uncovered administrative discrepancies regarding the aircraft's documentation. It was determined that the ZU-ADJ was not registered under the current owner's name. Consequently, the authority to fly the aircraft was considered invalid due to the unrecorded change of ownership, although a third-party liability policy had been issued to the new owner earlier that year.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing sequence.
- The pilot's decision to allow the aircraft to bounce on the runway made the aircraft susceptible to the effects of the crosswind.
- The unsuccessful go-around maneuver resulted in the aircraft impacting trees on the runway periphery.
- The aircraft's flight authority was invalid because the registration had not been updated to reflect the recent change in ownership.