What happened
On 09 April 2018, a pilot was conducting a private ferry flight in a S.A. Avions Pierre Robin DR500, registration ZS-MXN, from Fisantekraal Airfield to Stellenbosch Airfield. The purpose of the flight was to transport the aircraft for a Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI).
During the takeoff roll on Runway 2/3, the pilot reported that the flight control stick became jammed at approximately 300 feet above ground level. Unable to regain control of the stick, the pilot attempted to manage the aircraft using only the rudder and throttle to perform an emergency landing on the remaining runway. During the touchdown, the aircraft veered to the left of the runway and struck bushes. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and landing gear, though the pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the takeoff. While the pilot reported a mechanical jam in the flight controls, a post-flight inspection conducted by an aircraft maintenance engineer revealed that the controls actually possessed full and free movement. Even after the removal of the wing for closer inspection, no obstructions or mechanical failures were identified that could have caused a jam. The investigation also noted that all damage to the airframe was a direct result of the impact with the ground and vegetation.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid license and rating for the operation.
- The aircraft had no documented defects prior to the flight.
- At the time of takeoff, there was a significant crosswind component of 14.72 knots from the left, which differed from the pilot's expectation of a 5-knot headwind.
- Wind shear resulting from the crosswind component is identified as a primary factor in the loss of control.