What happened
On the afternoon of 15 June 2025, a private flight departed from Kuruman Airfield in the Northern Cape, destined for Airspan Airfield in the North West Province. The flight, operated under Part 94 regulations, proceeded under clear visual meteorological conditions.
Upon arriving at Airspan Airfield, the pilot followed the established procedures for unmanned airfields by flying over the site before commencing an approach to Runway 03. During the final stages of the landing, the pilot reduced engine power; however, this resulted in an excessive rate of descent. The KP 2U-Rapid, registration ZU-FCR, struck the runway with significant force and bounced. This impact caused the nose gear to fail and the propeller to strike the runway surface. Following the impact, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to skid 10 metres before veering right and exiting the runway. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller and nose gear.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the technical status of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence with the appropriate type rating and a current medical certificate. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the annual inspection was up to date, with the Certificate of Release to Service valid until September 2025. The investigation focused on the mechanics of the touchdown and the subsequent structural failure of the landing gear.