What happened
On 26 October 2023, a Flugplatz SC01 B-160 aircraft, registered ZU-MWG, was operating a private flight from Rand Airport in Gauteng to the Zandspruit Aero Estate in Limpopo. The flight took place under clear visual meteorological conditions.
Upon arriving at the private airstrip, the pilot performed a low-level pass to inspect the runway. As the aircraft attempted to land on Runway 3 and 5, it touched down approximately 250 metres from the threshold. The aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently, causing it to lift off again and float along the runway centerline. During this phase, the aircraft began drifting toward the left side of the strip. The aircraft eventually exited the paved surface and struck trees, which caused the right fuel tank to rupture. The resulting fire consumed the entire aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed eyewitnesses at the scene. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had recently undergone maintenance at an aircraft maintenance organisation (AMO) in Gauteng, where the propeller had been serviced and balanced just days prior to the accident.
Witness accounts provided details regarding the aircraft's behavior during the landing phase. One observer noted that the pilot appeared to be heavily focused on a point ahead, with a hunched posture, and did not acknowledge onlookers. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's flight folio and essential records were destroyed in the post-impact blaze.
Findings
- The pilot was unable to slow the aircraft sufficiently after the initial touchdown, leading to a float and subsequent runway excursion.
- The aircraft's impact with trees caused a rupture in the right fuel tank, triggering a fatal post-impact fire.
- The pilot sustained one fatal injury.
- The Flugplatz SC01 B-160 was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.
- The aircraft's propeller had been found serviceable following maintenance performed on 26 October 2023.