What happened
On 23 March 2007, a MAULE M7-235, registration ZS-MNW, was conducting a commercial flight from Nibela Clinic Airstrip to Mabibi Clinic Airstrip in Kwazulu-Natal. During the approach to Runway 03, the pilot encountered turbulence. The aircraft touched down approximately one-third of the way down the runway at a speed of roughly 50 mph.
Upon application of the brakes, the pilot noted a loss of pressure in the right-hand brake, which caused the aircraft to veer toward the left. In an effort to regain directional control, the pilot increased power, applied right rudder, and retracted the flaps from 40 degrees to 24 degrees. Despite these efforts, the aircraft drifted off the runway centerline and crossed a sandy footpath, heading toward an embankment and trees. To protect the four occupants, the pilot pulled the control column fully back to use the fuselage as a buffer. During the excursion, the right main landing gear struck a concrete block that was hidden by grass, causing the wheel to detach and damaging the right wingtip.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the maintenance history. The aircraft had undergone its last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) on 28 February 2007, with only 32.8 flight hours accumulated since that service. The investigation also confirmed that the operator held a valid Air Operating Certificate and that the maintenance organization responsible for the recent inspection had been recently audited with no major issues found.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was ineffective braking on the right side.
- This failure was attributed to either insufficient hydraulic brake fluid or the presence of air within the brake system.