What happened
On 12 May 2009, a private microlight flight operating at Summit Aerodrome near Midrand resulted in an aircraft overturn. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, had been conducting takeoff and landing practice on Runway 32 for approximately 90 minutes. Seeking to utilize calm wind conditions, the pilot attempted a landing on Runway 01, a runway they had not previously used at this aerodrome.
During the landing sequence, the pilot encountered turbulence that caused the Savannah Z236 to veer off the runway centerline. The left wheel of the aircraft entered a ditch located at the edge of the runway, leading to the collapse of the nose gear. This impact caused the aircraft to flip over and come to rest in an inverted position. The pilot escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident confirmed that the aircraft, registration ZU-ERJ, was airworthy and properly maintained by an approved person. The pilot held a valid microlight license with the appropriate type rating and a valid medical certificate. Meteorological reports at the time of the accident indicated fine weather with calm, light, and variable winds, and visibility was excellent.
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically to the wings, the propeller, and the nose gear. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders, though such equipment was not required for this class of aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot experienced a loss of directional control during the landing phase.
- The aircraft veered leftward due to turbulence and an error in judgment regarding the landing on a runway with an upward slope.
- The primary contributing factor was the left wheel striking a ditch at the runway edge, which triggered the nose gear collapse and subsequent inversion.