What happened
On 28 March 2008, a Raptor Microlight, registration ZU-DMZ, departed from Mphosa Private Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal, intending to fly to Sodwana Bay Aerodrome. During the flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions that obscured the departure airfield. Consequently, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing at Space Construction Private Aerodrome.
While executing the base leg of the approach, the pilot observed that the aircraft had drifted off the runway centerline and initiated a left turn to intercept the final approach. During the final stages of the descent, at roughly 5 meters above the ground, the pilot attempted to increase engine power. However, the aircraft struck the ground with significant force.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight circumstances and the mechanical state of the aircraft. It was noted that the aircraft's most recent annual inspection had been completed on 6 March 2008, with 29 flight hours accumulated since that certification. The meteorological conditions at the time of the incident included visibility that was clear (CAVOK) with a wind of 80 degrees at 15 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nose wheel, left-hand main wheel, pod, and left wing.
- There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries resulting from the incident.
- The primary factor in the hard landing was that the approach airspeed was too low, which led to an aerodynamic stall just before touchdown.