What happened
On the morning of 3 June 2023, a private flight departing from Kroon Airfield in Gauteng experienced a serious incident during landing at a private airstrip in Mogale. The aircraft, a Savannah XL V6 with registration ZU-RE-FKA, was operating under Part 94 regulations in clear visual meteorological conditions.
As the pilot approached the grass runway from the south, the aircraft's descent became unstable. While approaching the threshold, the aircraft sank toward an electric boundary fence, prompting the pilot to apply power to climb and clear the obstacle before reducing power again. The aircraft subsequently made a hard landing on the runway. Following the impact, the aircraft drifted to the left, where the left wheel struck a mound of raised ground. This impact caused the aircraft to bounce and careen over a low embankment, eventually coming to a stop in nearby bushland. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and the site conditions following the incident. The inspection of ZU-FKA revealed damage to the propeller blades, the transponder aerial, and a crease on the right wing leading edge, along with a slightly bent main landing gear.
Regarding the operational environment, the investigation confirmed that the private airstrip was in a suitable condition for use, with dry grass and favorable weather. The aircraft was found to be airworthy and properly maintained, with all necessary documentation and inspections up to date. The pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an unstable approach resulting in a hard touchdown.
- The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft following the hard landing.
- The aircraft's path was diverted by a mound of raised ground on the left side of the runway, which triggered a bounce and the subsequent excursion over an embankment.