Cessna 414A Runway Overrun at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome (ZS-KSH)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On 9 February 2007, a Cessna 414A with registration ZS-KSH, operated by Summerset Charters (PTY) Ltd, was involved in an accident at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome. The aircraft was on a private flight from Lanseria Aerodrome to Kitty Hawk Aerodrome, carrying a pilot and one passenger. The pilot held a valid commercial pilot's licence and was type-endorsed for the aircraft. ## Sequence of Events The pilot selected 45 degrees of flaps for the approach to Runway 01 and landed at an indicated airspeed of 90 knots. The runway was 810 metres long and had a downhill slope of 3 degrees. The pilot landed too far down the runway and was unable to stop the aircraft within the remaining distance despite applying maximum braking. The aircraft moved partially onto the grass on the left side in an attempt to slow down more rapidly. ## Impact and Damage The aircraft overran the end of the runway and went off the steep slope in the overshoot area. The right wing collided with a tree, causing the outboard section to separate. The main and nose landing gears collapsed after impact with the ground, and the aircraft ground-looped 45 degrees to the right before coming to rest approximately 100 metres beyond the end of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the main and nose landing gears, the right wing, and both propellers. ## Injuries and Safety Aspects The pilot and passenger were not injured during the accident. The occupants were properly restrained, and the cockpit area sustained only minor damage. There was no pre- or post-impact fire. ## Investigation Findings The investigation found that the weather was not a factor in the accident. No mechanical defects were identified that could have contributed to or caused the accident. According to available maintenance records, the aircraft was properly maintained. The last mandatory periodic inspection was carried out on 31 May 2006, and the aircraft had flown 91.2 hours since then. The Airworthiness Department conducted audits on 3 May 2006 and 29 August 2006, with no major deficiencies identified. ## Probable Cause The probable cause of the accident was that the pilot landed the aircraft too far down the downward-sloping runway and was unable to stop it within the distance remaining.