What happened
On 9 February 2007, a Cessna 414 A, registration ZS-KSH, was performing a private flight from Lanseria Aerodrome to Kitty Hawk Aerodrome. During the landing phase on Runway 01, the pilot utilized 45 degrees of flaps. However, the aircraft touched down too far down the 810-meter runway.
As the aircraft moved along the 3-degree downhill slope, the pilot found that braking alone was insufficient to decelerate the plane. In an attempt to increase friction, the pilot steered the aircraft toward the left, partially onto the grass, while applying maximum braking. Despite these efforts, the aircraft could not be brought to a halt and overran the runway end. The aircraft then descended a steep slope in the overshoot area, where the right wing struck a tree, causing the outboard section to detach. The impact with the ground subsequently caused the collapse of both the nose and main landing gears, and the aircraft ground-looped 45 degrees to the right. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances of the excursion, focusing on the runway characteristics and the aircraft's performance. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license and the necessary medical certification. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable, with good visibility and calm winds.
Technical inspections of the Cessna 414 A revealed no mechanical defects contributing to the event. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had been properly maintained, with the most recent periodic inspection completed in May 2006. The investigation also noted that while the runway was relatively short at 810 meters, the aircraft could have safely stopped if the touchdown had occurred at the runway threshold.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot landed the aircraft too far down the runway, leaving insufficient distance to stop on the downward-sloping surface.
- The aircraft's right wing sustained damage from a tree collision, and the landing gear sustained substantial damage due to the collapse during the excursion.
- The aircraft was properly maintained and the weather conditions were not a contributing factor.