What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-05-03 involved a Falcon 900EX, registration ZS-DEX, at Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM), ZA.

Falcon 900EX Collides with Trees During Approach to Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome (ZS-DEX)

On May 3, 2018, a Falcon 900EX (registration ZS-DEX) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM), ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The investigation determined that the crew continued with an unstable approach for landing on Runway 17, resulting in the right-wing colliding with trees in the approach path and the left wing making contact with the runway surface during landing. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 1785104676Data API Editorial standards

On 3 May 2018, a Falcon 900EX (ZS-DEX) on a private flight from Cape Town struck trees on approach to Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome and scraped the runway with its left wing during landing. No injuries occurred, but both wings sustained damage.

History of Flight

On 3 May 2018, at 04:34Z, a Falcon 900EX aircraft, registration ZS-DEX, departed from Cape Town International Aerodrome (FACT) on a non-scheduled domestic flight to Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). The aircraft carried two crew members and ten passengers. The pilot-in-command (PIC) served as pilot flying (PF), and the first officer (FO) as pilot monitoring (PM). An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed.

After take-off from Runway 19, the aircraft climbed to flight level 410. At 05:43Z, the PM contacted FAGM tower and received surface wind information: south-westerly at 15 knots, with Runway 17 in use. The PF expressed dissatisfaction regarding the short runway length. At 05:55Z, the crew discussed whether to land on Runway 17 or switch to Runway 29.

The aircraft was cleared to descend and subsequently to join a right downwind for Runway 17 for a visual approach. At 06:05Z, the PF disconnected the autopilot, and the aircraft began a right turn with a maximum bank angle of 39.7°. The flight data recorder (FDR) showed a pitch-up attitude of 9° for 30 seconds at an indicated airspeed of 179 knots.

At 06:05Z, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured multiple terrain avoidance warning system (TAWS) alerts, including "Caution terrain," "Terrain, terrain," and "Pull up." Neither crew member acted on these warnings. At 06:08Z, the crew visually acquired the runway. The aircraft was cleared to land on Runway 17 with surface wind from the south at 10 knots. The aircraft touched down at 06:08:42Z.

Damage to Aircraft

Post-flight inspection revealed that the right wing had struck trees on short final approach. The lower left wingtip, slat, and aileron had scraped the runway surface during landing. The aircraft required replacement of slats, ailerons, and wingtips on both wings. No injuries were reported among the occupants.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the crew continued with an unstable approach for landing on Runway 17. This resulted in the right wing colliding with trees in the approach path and the left wing making contact with the runway surface during landing.

Probable cause

The investigation determined that the crew continued with an unstable approach for landing on Runway 17, resulting in the right-wing colliding with trees in the approach path and the left wing making contact with the runway surface during landing.

2018-05-03: Falcon 900EX (ZS-DEX) — Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM), ZA