What happened
On 15 April 2007, a Cessna U206C, registration ZS-OZF, was performing a local private flight departing from Barberton Aerodrome. After approximately 30 minutes in the air, the pilot attempted a full-stop landing on runway 35.
During the approach, the pilot had configured the aircraft with full flaps and maintained an airspeed of roughly 75 mph. As the aircraft reached the round-out phase, the nose-up attitude was higher than normal. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. A subsequent second bounce caused the nose wheel to detach from the airframe. The aircraft then nosed over, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position on the grass runway. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the wreckage with no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation into the incident examined the flight parameters, the pilot's experience, and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The aircraft had recently undergone a mandatory periodic inspection, and records indicated that the airframe was properly maintained. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with calm winds and excellent visibility.
Findings
- The pilot was flying with limited experience on this specific aircraft type.
- The landing speed of 75 mph was below the 80-90 mph range recommended in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
- The pilot stalled the aircraft during the flare, which led to a hard landing and the subsequent bouncing sequence.
- The separation of the nose wheel and the resulting inversion were direct consequences of the uncontrolled bounces on the runway surface.