What happened
On 15 May 2005, a Raptor Trike (Microlight), registration ZU-CVG, was conducting a private flight near Alberton, Gauteng. The flight, which included a pilot and one passenger, lasted approximately 45 minutes within the local flying area before the crew returned to Panorama Aerodrome for landing on Runway 01.
As the aircraft approached the runway, it encountered intense turbulence caused by strong winds blowing over nearby hills to the northwest. During the landing flare, a powerful left-hand crosswind gust struck the aircraft, forcing it to veer sharply to the right. In an effort to correct the aircraft's position on the runway, the pilot applied full power; however, the aircraft entered a stall. This resulted in the left wing striking the ground, followed by a leftward swing that caused the nose section to impact the runway surface. Both occupants escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the environmental conditions and the mechanical state of the aircraft. At the time of the accident, the weather was clear, but surface winds were recorded at 30 knots from the northeast. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's annual inspection was current, having been completed in November 2004, and the Authority to Fly was valid. The aircraft sustained significant damage to its propeller, wing, profile tube, and nose wheel fork during the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control due to severe turbulence and gusty wind conditions.
- The wind conditions were intensified by the aerodynamic effects of wind gusting over the hills situated northwest of the aerodrome.
- A sudden, strong crosswind gust from the left occurred during the flare, leading to a violent veer and subsequent wing strike.