What happened
On 13 March 2011, a Cessna U206F, registration ZS-JCB, was conducting a private flight from New Tempe Aerodrome to Aeropark Zynkraal. The flight, which included the pilot and three passengers, proceeded without incident until the aircraft reached its destination.
During the final stages of the landing approach on runway 08, the aircraft encountered an unexpected gust of wind that caused the right wing to lift. Although the pilot attempted to correct the movement, the aircraft bounced upon touchdown. Following the landing, the pilot noted that the aircraft's nose remained low despite efforts to apply back pressure. A subsequent inspection revealed that the nose gear had failed, leading to a propeller strike. The impact also caused damage to the aircraft's cargo pod.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the Cessable U206F was airworthy and maintained according to all required regulations. The engine and airframe showed no mechanical anomalies prior to the event, and the pilot was properly licensed and medically fit for the operation. The investigation focused on the impact of the sudden meteorological change on the aircraft's stability during the flare and touchdown.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot losing control of the aircraft during the landing approach due to a sudden gust of wind.
- The wind gust lifted the right wing, which subsequently led to an aircraft bounce.
- The sudden weather disturbance likely distracted the pilot's concentration during the critical landing phase.
- The nose gear failure and resulting propeller strike were consequences of the landing instability.