What happened
On 16 September 2001, an ATLAS AL-60C-4M (registration ZS-WWZ) departed from Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal, for a private flight toward the Albert Falls Dam area. The flight, which included the pilot and one passenger, proceeded under clear meteorological conditions.
As the aircraft attempted to land at Shafton’s, the pilot encountered depressions on the runway surface. This caused the aircraft to bounce three times during the landing sequence, with the first bounce reaching a height of 1.5 meters and the second reaching approximately 3 meters. During the third bounce, the right-hand landing gear severed from the airframe.
Following the separation, the detached right-hand trunnion dug into the earth, forcing the aircraft into a ground-loop. The sequence ended with the aircraft coming to a stop, having sustained significant damage to the propeller and the outboard section of the right-hand wing. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
Because the incident did not involve injuries or fatalities, no on-site investigation was conducted. The inquiry focused on reviewing available documentation and the circumstances surrounding the landing. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid private pilot license and a current medical certificate. Furthermore, maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had been properly maintained according to requirements.