What happened
On 23 December 2016, a Cubby Wings Cubby aircraft, registration ZS-DHTO, was conducting a type differences training flight departing from Mossel Bay Aerodrome. The flight, occupied by an instructor and a student, initially proceeded without incident, performing maneuvers approximately five nautical miles southwest of the airfield.
During the return to the aerodrome, while on short final approach to Runway 28, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust of wind from the left. This atmospheric disturbance caused a hard landing, which subsequently led to the bending of the right main landing gear. Following the impact, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway and eventually came to a stop resting on its right wingtip. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight history and environmental conditions at the time of the occurrence. The pilot's license and medical certification were both found to be valid. The aircraft, which had 525.8 total airframe hours, had undergone its last annual inspection approximately two months prior to the accident.
Technical examination of the engine and flight controls revealed no pre-existing defects; all damage to the airframe, specifically to the right main gear and right wingtip, was attributed to the impact of the accident. Meteorological data from the South African Weather Services indicated that strong wind changes were occurring below 100 feet, resulting in moderate to severe wind shear. This environmental factor was identified as a significant contributor to the loss of control during the landing phase.