History of the Flight
On 15 November 2019 at approximately 0910Z, a Jabiru J430 aircraft (registration ZS-NEE) departed from Runway 09 at Rhino Park Aerodrome, Gauteng Province. The flight was conducted under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations for circuit training, with an instructor (holding a Commercial Pilot Licence, aged 28, with 407 total flying hours and 130 hours on type) and a student pilot (aged 49, Student Pilot Licence, 29 total hours) on board. The instructor reported that after completing four uneventful circuits, during the fifth circuit he took control of the aircraft on final approach to demonstrate a crosswind landing.
During the landing, the aircraft touched down approximately 100 metres from the threshold of Runway 09. The runway at Rhino Park has a length of 780 metres, and the required landing distance for the aircraft is 250 metres. The instructor applied the brakes but reported they were ineffective, and the aircraft did not decelerate sufficiently. The instructor attempted zig-zag manoeuvres to reduce speed, without success. The aircraft overshot the runway and continued onto soft sand, where the nose gear sank into the sand, causing the propeller and left wingtip to contact the ground. The aircraft came to a stop on the extended centreline of Runway 09 at GPS coordinates 25°49'59.72" S; 028°32'26.96" E, elevation 1456 metres AMSL. The instructor stated that the brakes had failed during the landing.
The two occupants disembarked unassisted and reported no injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear, the propeller, and the left wingtip.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at the time, sourced from the South African Weather Service for 0900Z, were: wind 120° at 8 knots, visibility 10 kilometres, CAVOK, temperature 29°C, dew point 7°C, QNH 1014 hPa. An E6B calculation indicated a crosswind component of 3–4 knots from the right and a headwind component of 5 knots on Runway 09.
Runway and Aerodrome Information
Rhino Park Aerodrome (coordinates 25°49'59" S; 028°32'26" E) has an elevation of 1456 metres AMSL. The runway used was Runway 09 (designation 09/27), which has an asphalt surface, dimensions 780 metres by 17 metres, and no approach facilities.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft landed deep on Runway 09, approximately 100 metres from the threshold. The runway length is 780 metres. The required landing distance and ground roll for the aircraft is 820 feet (250 metres). The instructor reported that the brakes were ineffective, leading to the runway overshoot. After leaving the runway, the nosewheel dug into the soft sand, and the propeller and left wing struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest aligned with the extended centreline of Runway 09.
Medical and Survival Aspects
No medical or pathological information was noted. The accident was considered survivable as the cabin and cockpit areas sustained no damage that could cause serious injury. No pre- or post-impact fire occurred.
Tests and Research
An Authorised Person replaced the aircraft's brake assemblies as part of the investigation.
Probable Cause
The investigation revealed that it was likely that the aircraft approached the aerodrome at a high speed, resulting in a deep landing on the runway at a fairly high speed, and the aircraft overshot the runway.