Cirrus SR22 Runway Excursion at Virginia Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Runway 05 at Virginia Aerodrome, ZA

A private flight involving a Cirrus SR22 ended in a runway excursion and aircraft damage after a hard landing at Virginia Aerodrome.

What happened

On 19 February 2005, a Cirrus SR22, registration ZS-OZD, was conducting a private flight departing from Virginia Aerodrome. The flight, which included the pilot and two passengers, was intended to visit the local General Flying Area before returning to the same aerodrome.

During the return leg, the pilot performed a standard circuit at 800ft AGL. While on final approach, the pilot miscalculated the distance to the runway threshold. This resulted in the aircraft touching down one-third down the runway, striking the nose wheel first. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce, leading to a loss of directional control. The aircraft subsequently veered left, exiting the runway and colliding with bushes approximately 20 meters from the runway edge. All three occupants sustained minor injuries.

The investigation

The investigation reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and operational status. The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness was valid at the time of the incident. Records indicated that the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 08 February 2005, with the aircraft having flown an additional 11.9 hours since that inspection. No on-site investigation was performed for this occurrence.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot misjudging the runway distance, which led to a nose-wheel-first landing and subsequent loss of directional control.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-02-19 Cirrus SR 22 accident near Runway 05 at Virginia Aerodrome, ZA?

A private flight involving a Cirrus SR22 ended in a runway excursion and aircraft damage after a hard landing at Virginia Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-02-19 involved a Cirrus SR 22, registration ZS-OZD, at Runway 05 at Virginia Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot misjudging the runway distance, which led to a nose-wheel-first landing and subsequent loss of directional control.

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