Casualties unknown

2003-11-17: Jabiru SP (ZU-JOS) — Runway 11, George Aerodrome, ZA

Runway 11, George Aerodrome, ZA

On November 17, 2003, a Jabiru SP (registration ZU-JOS) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 11, George Aerodrome, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost directional control on landing. In an attempt to rectify the condition she applied the wrong technique resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 1785104676Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered ZU-JOS
Aircraft registered ZU-JOS. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 17 November 2003, a Jabiru SP (ZU-JOS) experienced directional control loss after landing on Runway 11 at George Aerodrome, resulting in substantial damage. No injuries were reported.

Synopsis

On 17 November 2003, a Jabiru SP aircraft, registration ZU-JOS, was on a training flight with a pilot and passenger aboard. After returning from a cross-country flight, the pilot received clearance to land on Runway 11 at George Aerodrome (FAGG). The wind was reported as fine, with a wind of 180 degrees at 5 knots, providing a slight crosswind component from the right.

Sequence of Events

Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft began to yaw to the right. The pilot applied left rudder to compensate, which caused a yaw to the left. The condition worsened, and in an attempt to prevent the aircraft from departing the runway, the pilot applied full right rudder and maximum braking. This action caused the aircraft to tip over onto the left wing, resulting in the propeller and left wing making contact with the runway surface. The wooden propeller shattered on impact.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft was a Jabiru SP, registration ZU-JOS. The last annual inspection was certified on 12 November 2003 at 498.3 airframe hours. An additional 10.2 hours were flown since that inspection.

Pilot Information

The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence, age 19, with total flying experience of 112.0 hours, of which 2.5 hours were on type. According to available information, the pilot was correctly licensed at the time of the event.

Injuries and Damage

No injuries were reported among the two occupants (pilot and passenger). The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as determined by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, was: "The pilot lost directional control on landing. In an attempt to rectify the condition she applied the wrong technique resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft."