What happened
On 6 May 2021, a Jabiru J230, registration ZU-PBB, was conducting a private flight from Tankwa Padstal toward Loeriesfontein Airfield (FALF) in the Northern Cape Province. The flight, operated under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), was being flown solo by a pilot with over 550 total flying hours.
During the approach to Runway 23 at Loeriesfontein Airfield, the pilot reported encountering a downdraft. This atmospheric disturbance caused a loss of control, leading to a hard landing. The impact caused the propeller to strike the ground and resulted in significant structural damage to the aircraft's landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation, based on information provided by the pilot, established that weather conditions at the time of the accident were generally fine, with a temperature of 18°C and winds from 180° at 6 knots. While broken clouds were present at approximately 800 feet, there was no evidence of thunderstorms or rain.
Physical examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage, specifically involving the nose gear strut, the propeller blades, and both the left and right main landing gear components, all of which showed damage consistent with a heavy impact.
Findings
- The pilot experienced a loss of control during the landing phase due to an encounter with a downdraft.
- An unstable approach likely contributed to the severity of the landing.
- The possibility of the pilot being unfamiliar with the specific landing strip was noted as a potential factor.