Accident Overview
On 29 October 2002, a Jabiru SP aircraft registered ZU-COR was involved in an accident at Mossel Bay Aerodrome (Runway 27) during an annual flight test. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot undertaking the test and a testing officer (instructor). No injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
The flight test involved a touch-and-go landing. At approximately 50-100 feet above ground level, the instructor closed the throttle to simulate an engine failure after take-off. At that time, the aircraft had one notch of flap selected and substantial runway distance remaining. The flying pilot retracted the flaps. The instructor then opened the throttle in an attempt to recover, but it was too late. A hard landing ensued.
Aircraft Damage
The hard landing severed the left main landing gear and the nose gear. The propeller and the left wing tip assembly were also damaged. The aircraft departed the runway to the left and came to a halt on the gravel/grass surface next to the runway. After coming to rest, the occupants selected the fuel and electrical systems off and vacated the aircraft uninjured.
Probable Cause
The pilot flying applied the wrong technique by retracting the flaps prior to applying full throttle after recovery from the simulated engine failure after take-off, which resulted in a high rate of descent. The instructor intervened, but due to insufficient height available, they were unable to recover from the situation and a hard landing followed.