What happened
On 06 July 2008, a private flight departed from Pyramid Aerodrome in the Barberton area, heading toward Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (FAKN). During the initial approach to FAKN, the pilot encountered turbulent weather, which caused difficulty maintaining a straight line while taxiing after landing.
Following the arrival at FAKN, the pilot commenced a return flight to Pyramid Aerodrome. As the aircraft approached Runway 33, the setting sun created significant glare on the front windshield, forcing the pilot to rely on the side window for visibility. Upon touchdown, the Mooney M20K, registration ZS-KJZ, experienced a slight bounce on the main wheels. On the subsequent contact with the runway, the aircraft veered toward the right. Despite the application of full left rudder and toe brakes, the aircraft traveled approximately 150 metres along the runway before exiting into tall grass. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, resulting in the propeller and engine striking the ground.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the excursion and the condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate, and the aircraft was properly maintained with a valid certificate of airworthiness.
Technical inspections conducted by an approved maintenance organization during the recovery of the aircraft revealed no mechanical defects in the rudder system or flight controls that could have contributed to the incident. Additionally, the investigation noted that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were generally fine, though visibility through the primary windshield was compromised by sun glare.
Findings
- The pilot lost directional control during the landing phase.
- The aircraft's main wheels bounced during the initial touchdown.
- The runway surface at Pyramid Aerodrome (Runway 33) features a downward slope from the left to the right side, which complicates directional stability during landing.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, nose gear, and the outboard leading edges of both wings.
- There were no injuries to the pilot.