What happened
On 26 February 2008, a Jabiru J450, registration ZU-DRI, was conducting a private flight from Gariep Aerodrome toward George Aerodrome. After an intermediate stop at Gariep Aerodrome for refueling, the pilot proceeded toward the intended destination. However, due to deteriorating weather conditions, the pilot elected to divert the flight to Port Elizabeth.
During the diversion, the pilot descended to flight level 075 to remain clear of cloud cover. Shortly after this descent, the aircraft encountered intense weather characterized by severe hail. The impact of the hail was significant enough to shatter the aircraft's windshield and damage the propeller. Faced with the loss of visibility and structural integrity, the pilot declared an emergency on the 124.7 MHz frequency and performed a forced landing in a short, rough field. During the landing sequence, the aircraft overturned. While there were no fatalities, the pilot sustained facial injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the meteorological conditions and the flight path of the aircraft. While official South African Weather Service observations were unavailable for the exact location and time, regional data indicated a surface trough and a cut-off low-pressure system were producing thundershowers, heavy rain, and hail across the Eastern Cape.
Technical inspections of the aircraft revealed that the Jabiru J450 had undergone its last annual inspection only six days prior to the accident. The investigation also noted a discrepancy between the pilot's reported local weather (fine conditions) and the broader regional weather patterns involving heavy rain and gusty winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to fly into adverse weather conditions and severe hail.
- The impact of the hail caused critical damage to the propeller and the windshield, necessitating the emergency landing.
- The terrain at the landing site was short and uneven, contributing to the aircraft overturning during the touchdown.