Accident Details
On 6 May 2021, at approximately 1245Z, a Jabiru J230 aircraft, registration ZU-PBB, was involved in an accident during landing at Loeriesfontein Airfield (FALF) in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. The aircraft was operated as a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in daytime conditions.
Aircraft and Flight
The aircraft, a Jabiru J230, had accumulated 808.2 total flight hours and 26.7 hours on type. The pilot, a 57-year-old male holding a valid National Pilot Licence, had 556.9 total flying hours. The flight departed from Tankwa Padstal private airstrip at approximately 1130Z, with the pilot as the sole occupant. The flight was uneventful and lasted about 1 hour and 11 minutes.
Sequence of Events
During the approach for landing on Runway 23 at Loeriesfontein Airfield, the aircraft encountered a downdraft, causing the pilot to lose control. This resulted in a hard landing. The propeller struck the ground, and the nose gear was damaged. Both the left and right main landing gears were bent during the accident sequence.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported fine weather at the time of the accident. The wind direction was 180° at 6 knots, temperature was 18°C, and there were broken clouds at approximately 800 feet. There was no evidence of rain or thunderstorms.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, with the nose gear strut, propeller blades, and both main landing gears showing damage consistent with a hard landing. No injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
Although the pilot stated that the aircraft was hit by a downdraft and, as a result, lost control, it is likely that the aircraft had an unstable approach which led to a hard landing. It is also possible that the pilot was not familiar with the airstrip.