What happened
On 4 March 2016, a Cirrus SR22, registration ZS-VOL, was conducting a private flight from Vredendal aerodrome in the Western Cape to Driefontein farm airfield in the North West. The aircraft, carrying the pilot and three passengers, arrived at the unmanned airfield under clear visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
Upon arrival, the pilot performed a low-level inspection of the gravel runway. Deciding to land on runway 21, the pilot touched down approximately 580 meters from the end of the strip. During the landing roll, the pilot realized the aircraft would not stop before reaching the end of the runway due to an upcoming upslope. In an attempt to avoid an overrun, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power. However, the aircraft failed to become airborne before reaching the crest of the slope.
As the aircraft reached the end of the runway, it continued down the downslope, lifting about one meter off the ground. The left wing tip struck a perimeter gate, causing significant structural damage. The aircraft then skidded across a provincial road and came to a rest against a tree near a railway embankment. There were no fatalities, though the four occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the sequence of events and the physical characteristics of the airfield. The investigation focused on the landing distance and the impact of the runway's topography. Calculations determined that while the pilot had sufficient distance for a short-field landing, the touchdown point was too deep for a standard landing roll.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's performance requirements. To successfully clear a 50ft obstacle following the go-around, the aircraft required a total take-off distance of approximately 386 meters. The investigation noted that the pilot was already committed to the take-off maneuver by the time the aircraft reached the end of the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unsuccessful touch and go due to insufficient remaining runway.
- The pilot landed too far down the runway, leaving inadequate distance to stop before the slope.
- The proximity of the perimeter fence, a public road, and a railway line created hazardous conditions for an overrun.
- The runway lacked sufficient overrun safety areas at both ends.
- The aircraft's left wing tip sustained substantial damage after striking the farm gate.