History of Flight
On Saturday morning, 5 October 2024, at 0735Z, a flight instructor (FI) and a student pilot (SP) departed from Ermelo Aerodrome (FAEO) in Mpumalanga province aboard a Jabiru J400 aircraft registered ZU-JBA. The flight was a training sortie under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, with the intention of performing circuit-and-landing exercises. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day were present.
At 0850Z, during a touch-and-go landing on Runway (RWY) 13, the aircraft touched down hard. During the subsequent takeoff roll, the aircraft leaned to the right. The FI immediately instructed the SP to abort the takeoff. After the aircraft came to a stop, an inspection revealed a crack in the right main gear strut. The aircraft was then taxied to the hangar for further assessment. Both occupants were unharmed.
The accident occurred on RWY 13 at FAEO, at GPS coordinates 26°29'39.28" South 29°58'36.51" East, elevation 5651 ft.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were reported. The two occupants (pilot and student) were not harmed.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Specifically, the right main wheel strut had a crack. No other damage was noted.
Other Damage
No other damage occurred.
Personnel Information – Flight Instructor
The flight instructor was a 24-year-old South African male holding a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued on 11 September 2024, with a Grade 3 Instructor rating. His medical certificate was valid until 24 June 2025, with no restrictions. He had a total flying experience of 253.6 hours, including 50.9 hours on type. In the past 90 days, he had flown 45.1 hours, of which 30.1 were on the Jabiru J400.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Jabiru J400, South African registration ZU-JBA. Details beyond this are not provided in the preliminary report.
Meteorological Information
Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day prevailed at the time of the flight.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft came to rest on the runway after the aborted takeoff. The right main gear strut was found cracked.
Survival Aspects
The occupants were not injured, and the aircraft remained intact with no impact damage beyond the cracked strut.
Findings (Preliminary)
The preliminary report does not state a probable cause. The investigation is ongoing.
On-Going Investigation
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has appointed an investigator-in-charge for an off-site investigation. Further information may be released in an interim or final report.