What happened
On 9 April 2014, a Sling 2 aircraft, registration ZU-FWY, was conducting a private flight from Rustenburg aerodrome to Wagtail private aerodrome in the North West province. The flight, which included the pilot and one passenger, proceeded under favorable meteorological conditions, characterized by fine weather, light variable winds, and clear visibility.
As the aircraft approached the runway at Wagtail, the pilot allowed the plane to drift left of the runway centerline. Upon touchdown, the left wingtip made contact with maize stalks in a field adjacent to the runway. This impact forced the aircraft to veer left, exiting the runway surface. The sudden movement caused the nose gear and the right main landing gear wheel to separate from the airframe. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, nose cone, and right wingtip, while the left wing suffered minor damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances of the landing and the condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid private pilot license and was appropriately qualified for the operation. Maintenance records for the Sling 2 indicated that the aircraft had been maintained according to all necessary regulations and that no mechanical malfunctions had been reported prior to the flight. The investigation also noted that the weather conditions were not a contributing factor to the excursion.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline during the landing phase.
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to keep the aircraft centered on the runway, which led to the wingtip striking vegetation.
- The presence of maize fields immediately adjacent to the runway at Wagtail aerodrome provided the obstacle that triggered the loss of directional control.