History of Flight
On 8 November 2009, at approximately 0920Z, a Jabiru SP aircraft registered ZU-COX departed Kitty Hawk Aero Estate (FAKT) for a training flight to Rhino Park Airfield. The aircraft was operated by an approved aviation training organisation. On board were an instructor and a student pilot.
During the final approach for runway 27, intending to perform a touch-and-go, the aircraft encountered a severe gust of wind. The student pilot called for a go-around and applied full power at approximately 20 ft AGL. Flaps were raised from landing flaps (flaps 2) to approach flaps (flaps 1) to reduce drag and increase speed while maintaining a height of about 20 ft.
A second severe gust of wind from the right pushed the aircraft toward the left side of the runway. The student pilot applied full right rudder to counteract the gust. The wind lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to roll left. It lost altitude, and the left main gear collided with a pile of rocks. The aircraft cartwheeled over the rocks and came to a stop upright adjacent to a runway under construction.
Injuries and Damage
Neither the instructor nor the student pilot sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident sequence. The left wing separated from the fuselage and was found about 5 meters from the main wreckage. No other damage occurred.
Meteorological Conditions
The wind was reported as 330° at 20 knots, with CAVOK visibility. The student pilot had obtained a weather forecast from the Johannesburg Meteorology office prior to the flight. The wind direction created an angle of 60° with runway 27 (oriented 09/27), resulting in a crosswind component of 17.3 knots. The Jabiru SP owner's manual lists a maximum crosswind velocity of 14 knots.
Aircraft Information
The Jabiru SP (serial number 409) was manufactured in 2000 and had a total airframe time of 3034.5 hours at the time of the accident. Its last maintenance inspection was on 11 February 2009. The engine was a Jabiru 2200 (serial 22A717) with 528.6 hours since new; the propeller was a Jabiru (serial JJ42883LC) with 440.5 hours since new. The aircraft had a valid authority to fly.
Aerodrome Details
Rhino Park Airfield (coordinates S25° 49.594' E028° 32.264', elevation 4784 ft) has two runways: 09/27 (850 m × 20 m) and 03/21 (450 m × 20 m). Runway 27, a gravel surface, was used. The Electronic Airfield Directory warns of downdrafts at the intersection of runway 03/21 and notes a runway under construction.
Personnel
The instructor, aged 39, held a valid instructor licence with ratings including grade 3 instructor, instrument rating (A), flight tests single-engine piston, and night rating. He had 189.3 total flying hours, with 137.7 hours on type. The student pilot, aged 45, held a valid student licence and had 25.3 total flying hours, all on type.
Additional Information
The crosswind component of 17.3 knots was calculated using a crosswind calculator, exceeding the aircraft's maximum of 14 knots. The aircraft was structurally intact before the accident.