Cirrus SR22T Destroyed in Go-Around Accident at Nelspruit Aerodrome (ZS-CNM)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 6 November 2020, a Cirrus SR22T aircraft with registration ZS-CNM departed Hazyview Aerodrome (FAHW) at 1320Z for a private Part 91 flight. The pilot intended to conduct several circuits at Nelspruit Aerodrome (FANS) and refuel before returning to FAHW. The accident occurred at 1352Z in a pecan nut orchard next to FANS, at GPS coordinates 25°30’04.05” South, 030°55’00.30” East, and elevation 2792 feet. ## Approach and Loss of Control Witnesses reported that the aircraft touched down hard on the left side of Runway 22’s centerline and bounced back into the air. The pilot immediately applied maximum power for a go-around. The aircraft entered a steep left bank with a left-wing low, nose-high attitude and failed to gain altitude. It disappeared behind the tree line to the east of Runway 22. ## Meteorological and Operational Conditions The flight was conducted in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) during the day. Surface winds were recorded at 329°/9kts gusting 17kts, with a temperature of 32°C and CAVOK visibility. Witnesses described strong crosswind conditions from a north-westerly direction, with gusts between 20 and 25 knots, and noted unstable atmospheric conditions with up and down draughts. ## Damage and Casualties The aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fuel-fed fire. The 63-year-old pilot, who held a commercial pilot licence with 3,533.3 total flying hours and 5.0 hours on type, was fatally injured. No other persons were on board. ## Probable Cause and Contributory Factors The investigation attributed the accident to the pilot’s failure to maintain control during an attempted go-around after a hard touchdown and bounce, which was linked to an unstable approach. Contributory factors included the pilot’s failure to compensate for left yaw after applying maximum power and the pilot’s limited experience on the aircraft type.