What happened
On 4 April 2019, a private flight departing from The Rose Aerodrome in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, resulted in a serious incident involving a Safari LSA, registration ZU-FSE. During the takeoff roll on a moist grass runway, the pilot reached the required rotation speed of 45 knots but found the aircraft failing to lift. Fearing a collision with a perimeter fence at the end of the runway, the pilot initiated an emergency aborted takeoff.
To stop the aircraft, the pilot applied heavy braking and shut down the engine. This sudden deceleration caused the nose to pitch forward, leading the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft veered toward the right side of the runway, causing the left wheel and tire assembly to detach from the axle. The aircraft eventually came to a rest 10 meters from the runway edge. While the aircraft sustained minor damage, including broken propeller blades and bent wing struts, there were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance records and the circumstances of the takeoff roll. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that the engine and mechanical systems were functioning correctly at the time of the incident. The investigation also reviewed the runway conditions, noting that the grass surface was moist, which can impede acceleration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the failure to rotate was that the aircraft was operating at a total mass of 619kg, which was 19kg above the maximum certified take-off mass of 600kg.
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff occurred at 412 meters into the roll, significantly past the 150-meter distance required for takeoff.
- The heavy braking applied during the aborted takeoff directly led to the nose tipping and the subsequent propeller strike.
- Improper flight planning contributed to the incident, as the aircraft's weight limits were not respected.
Safety action
- Pilots are reminded to conduct thorough flight planning to ensure all aircraft are operated strictly within their certified weight and balance limits to prevent property damage and injury.