Business Jet Strikes Trees During Unstable Approach at Rand Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM), ZA

A Falcon 900EX sustained substantial damage after its right wing struck trees and its left wing scraped the runway during a landing at Rand Aerodrome.

What happened

On 3 May 2018, a Falcon 900EX, registration ZS-DEX, was conducting a private domestic flight from Cape Town International Aerodrome to Rand Aerodrome. The aircraft, carrying two crew members and 10 passengers, was performing a visual approach to Runway 17 under instrument flight rules.

During the descent and approach, the aircraft's flight path became unstable. Flight data indicates that the crew executed several turns, including a wide right downwind leg that brought the jet near the Johannesburg central business district. As the aircraft approached the runway, the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) issued multiple audible alerts, including "Terrain, terrain" and "Pull up, pull to up." Despite these warnings, the crew continued the approach.

Just seconds before touchdown, the aircraft experienced a significant bank angle. Upon landing, the right wing made contact with trees located on the Germiston Golf Course, while the left wingtip, slat, and aileron scraped the runway surface. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the 12 people on board.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) information to reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path, the sequence of TAWS warnings, and the crew's response to the unstable approach. Investigators also reviewed the aerodrome's physical layout and the limitations of the approach path for high-performance aircraft.

Findings

  • The crew continued with an unstable approach, which led to the aircraft's wing striking trees and the runway surface.
  • The aircraft's right wing collided with trees in the approach path.
  • The crew failed to respond to multiple critical TAWS warnings, including terrain and bank angle alerts.
  • The approach path for Runway 17 contains significant hazards and obstructions.
  • The crew demonstrated an over-reliance on advanced cockpit automation and instrumentation.
  • The flight path for high-performance aircraft at this location is constrained by restricted airspace near OR Tambo International.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew continuing an unstable approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees on the approach path and the runway surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-05-03 Falcon 900EX accident near Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM), ZA?

A Falcon 900EX sustained substantial damage after its right wing struck trees and its left wing scraped the runway during a landing at Rand Aerodrome.

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.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew continuing an unstable approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees on the approach path and the runway surface.

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