What happened
On 22 November 2013, a Beech A36, registration ZS-KCI, was conducting a private flight from Tempe Aerodrome to Wave Crest Aerodrome. During the initial approach to the destination, the pilot encountered an unexpected runway incursion when a tractor and trailer crossed the runway path. The pilot successfully executed a go-around to avoid the vehicle, which subsequently parked near the runway threshold.
During the subsequent attempt to land on Runway 07, the aircraft encountered significant meteorological challenges. High winds, recorded at 20 knots and gusting up to 40 knots, impacted the flight path. The aircraft's approach was too low and maintained insufficient airspeed, leading to a stall. The aircraft struck the runway threshold with significant force, causing the left landing gear to sustain damage. The momentum of the hard landing caused the left wing to strike a tree branch protruding from the nearby vegetation. The pilot was able to taxi the aircraft to a hangar, and no injuries were reported for the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the flight, focusing on the sequence of events following the initial go-around. The investigation reviewed the pilot's credentials, confirming a valid commercial pilot's licence and medical certificate, as well as significant experience with the aircraft type. The investigation also assessed the mechanical state of the Beech A36, finding that the aircraft had been maintained by an approved organization and showed no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a stall occurring during a low-altitude approach.
- Strong, gusty wind conditions contributed to the loss of lift and the subsequent hard landing.
- The pilot's landing technique during the second approach was identified as a contributing factor.
- The sudden appearance of a tractor and trailer on the runway necessitated the initial go-around, which disrupted the landing sequence.