In 2017 ZU-CIA was used to conduct a Solo Nav from Rhino Park to Middelburg (Mpumalanga), on touchdown in Middelburg she veered of the runway plowed through the long grass and ended up inverted about 50m from the runway. The exact cause of the accident in not known, but as you can see from the photos I posed there were some damage that resulted from the accident sequence. No one was seriously hurt just a few bumps and bruises. We recovered ZU-CIA and brought her back to Rhino Park. Seeing the sad state she was in, Danie van Zyl here at Hangar 30 decided to get the ball rolling to restore her.
After ZU-CIA had an unfortunate accident, The Jabiru team recovered the aircraft and started the long process of restoring ZU-CIA to her former glory. Because the aircraft ended up inverted after the accident all the AVGAS leaked into the upholstery, which led to the removal and replacement of all the interior trimmings.
Extensive stress testing was conducted on the air-frame structure and wings to ensure that she will be fit to once again soar into the blue yonder, the area were the nose wheel folded back into the firewall was repaired, and it is nearly impossible to see where any work was done to the firewall. To ensure that ZU-CIA looks the part she was given a fresh coat of paint and markings.
The power plant was completely disassembled and shock load tests were done, this was a great opportunity to replace any rusted nuts, bolts or washers, every attachment such as the engine driven fuel pump, starter, solenoid, Oil cooler and various parts were inspected and if necessary replaced. At the same time the Crankshaft, Connecting rods, flywheel and new Pistons were balanced before assembly to ensure better performance and durability. Diagnostic testing will commence within the next view weeks. Exciting times.
Once the new firewall was cut and bent to size we measured and drilled all the holes for the wiring and cables that needed to be installed from the cab to the engine compartment. Danie here at Jabiru Aviation decided to go over the old electrical harness, and to fix any wiring that weren’t up to scratch. Finally the time came to install the newly overhauled power plant, and to connect all the wires and cabling. Still a lot of work to complete, but we’re getting there.
ZU-CIA finally restored to her former glory.. And time to take flight
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