Loss of Control During Landing Results in Substantial Damage to…

Loss of Control During Landing Results in Substantial Damage to RV-10

Casualties unknown • 5 NM East WIL VOR, CH

A private flight in Mpumalanga ended in a runway excursion and aircraft damage after the pilot lost directional control during the landing roll.

What happened

On 21 February 2026, a Van’s RV-10, registration ZU-IKU, was operating a private flight from Alzu Rondefontien Airfield to the Zevenfontein Farm Airstrip in Mpumalanga. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions. After a successful departure and cruise, the pilot approached the gravel runway at Zevenfontein using full flaps at approximately 75 mph.

During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a light crosswind from the right. This caused the pilot to lose directional control, leading the aircraft to veer left and depart the runway. As the aircraft left the paved surface, the right wing tip struck adjacent maize crops. The resulting yaw caused the nose landing gear strut to collapse. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing tips, the nose gear, and the main gear wheel fairings, the pilot escaped without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID examined the meteorological conditions and aircraft maintenance records. Investigators confirmed that the wind at the time of the incident featured a right crosswind component of approximately 3.98 knots. This was well within the aircraft's operational limits, as the Pilot’s Operating Handbook for the Van’s RV-10 specifies a maximum demonstrated crosswind of 25 knots.

Maintenance records showed the aircraft was within its inspection intervals, with the most recent 100-hour inspection completed in June 2025. The pilot, holding a Private Pilot Licence with over 600 total flying hours, was found to have a valid medical certificate.

Probable cause

The aircraft may have been unstable during the final approach, leading to a loss of directional control during the landing roll and subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-12-17 DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT COMPANY DHC-8 accident near 5 NM East WIL VOR, CH?

A private flight in Mpumalanga ended in a runway excursion and aircraft damage after the pilot lost directional control during the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-12-17 involved a DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT COMPANY DHC-8, registration D-BLEJ, at 5 NM East WIL VOR, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft may have been unstable during the final approach, leading to a loss of directional control during the landing roll and subsequent runway excursion.

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