What happened
On 7 December 2009, an Embraer 135-LR, registration ZS-SJW, was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Cape Town International Airport to George Airport. During the approach to runway 11, the aircraft encountered overcast conditions and light rain. While the touchdown itself appeared normal to air traffic controllers, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently on the wet runway surface.
As the aircraft reached the end of the runway, the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft to the right to avoid the ILS localiser antenna structure. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck eleven approach lights and breached the aerodrome perimeter fence. The aircraft eventually came to a halt on the R4 and 4 public road adjacent to the aerodrome. Although the cockpit crew was initially trapped due to structural deformation, all 35 people on board—including three crew members and 32 passengers—evacuated without serious injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and aerodrome surveillance footage. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft touched down within the touchdown zone and that the spoilers deployed correctly. The crew applied increasing braking pressure after noticing a lack of deceleration, but the aircraft continued to roll past the runway end.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's history, noting a previous hydroplaning incident in Zambia. They examined the runway conditions, noting the presence of recent rain, and analyzed the aircraft's braking capabilities, specifically noting that the Embraer 135-LR was not equipped with auto-braking or thrust reversers.