What happened
On the morning of 5 October 2024, a Jabiru J400 aircraft, registration ZU-JBA, was conducting circuit-and-landing training exercises at Ermelo Aerodrome in Mpumalanga. The flight, operated by ETTC Group, was manned by a flight instructor and a student pilot. The weather conditions were clear, with visual meteorological conditions prevailing.
During a touch-and-go maneuver on Runway 13, the aircraft experienced a heavy landing. As the pilot attempted the subsequent takeoff roll, the aircraft began to lean toward the right side. Recognizing the instability, the flight instructor immediately directed the student pilot to abort the takeoff attempt. Following the incident, the aircraft was taxied to a hangar for inspection.
The investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) initiated an investigation into the event. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and the sequence of the landing maneuver. The inspection of the landing gear revealed a crack located on the right main gear strut, which caused substantial damage to the aircraft. No injuries were reported for the two occupants on board.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a hard landing during a touch-and-go exercise.
- The impact resulted in a fracture at the right main landing gear wheel strut attachment point.
- The aircraft's right side leaned during the takeoff roll following the heavy touchdown.
- All required documentation, including the pilot's commercial license and the aircraft's Authority to Fly, were valid at the time of the occurrence.